Blood Donation Policy and Associated Social Values (Cote d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion is essentially based on blood donation. WHO has identified three types of blood donation (paid blood donation, family or alternative blood donation and voluntary, free blood donation). The one, she recommends (voluntary, anonymous and unpaid donation) which is rare in Africa. Objective: Our study was to identify the policy in force in Cote d’Ivoire and the values that blood donors associate with it. Method: Our study based on a questionnaire administered to 268 primary and regular blood donors and an interview guide with seven officials of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). The tools were taught at blood transfusion sites (BTS Daloa, Treichville and Yamoussoukro) during donation hours (from 7:30 am to 12 pm) and Data collected processed using Epidata 3.1 and Epidatanalysis. Result: In Cote d’Ivoire, blood donation policy has been in line with WHO recommendations since the creation of the NBTS in 1958. Our study has identified four values (solidarity and generosity, anticipatory action, voluntary, free and selfless act and medical value). However, the first value (solidarity and generosity) is high important regardless of the type of blood donation (regular or primary). This policy has always been the result of the main characteristics of ivorian communities (<i>"Country of hospitality" and "The homeland of true fraternity”</i>). Conclusion: The Cote d'Ivoire has only known voluntary, anonymous and unpaid donation whose the main value is solidarity and generosity, a characteristic value of the ivorian communities.