The public’s risk perception of blood transfusion in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Human beings may face many circumstances, such as surgery, trauma, and anemia, in which they could require an urgent blood transfusion. However, only a few studies have examined people’s risk perception of blood transfusion. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the public’s risk perception of blood transfusion in Saudi Arabia, and to identify factors associated with their risk perception. METHODS: Self-reported questionnaires on blood transfusion risk perception were distributed to the public during a Saudi national festival in Riyadh. Data were analyzed using mean, SD, Student’s t-test, and linear regression. RESULTS: The overall percentage mean score±SD of risk perception was 59.8±16.1. Male participants were significantly more likely to perceive blood transfusion negatively, both in terms of the dread/severity domain (β=−0.23, p=0.003) and their overall risk perception score (β=−0.17, p=0.028). Older participants were considerably more likely to have a more negative perception (β=0.12, p=0.041) of the benefits of blood transfusion compared with younger participants. Study participants who received blood in the past had a significantly better perception (β=−0.13, p=0.029) of the benefits of transfusion. Additionally, participants who had previously donated blood had a considerably more positive perception in the dread/severity domain (β=−0.18, p=0.017) and their overall score (β=−0.15, p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Saudi males are more likely to perceive blood transfusion as a high-risk procedure. Similarly, older Saudis will probably have a more negative perception of the benefits of blood transfusion. Previous recipients and donors will likely have a better perception of the benefits of blood transfusion and a more positive overall risk perception.