Enhancing blood availability in Latin America: A study on public perceptions and barriers to blood donation in Guatemala during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT: This study explores public perceptions and the barriers to voluntary blood donation during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guatemala, a country with one of the lowest voluntary donation rates in Latin America. We additionally aimed to identify the population factors influencing blood donation behavior and to inform strategies for enhancing blood availability in the region. Between August and September 2020, an anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted using purposive sampling. Respondents were asked about their donation history, awareness of donation processes, preferences, and barriers and motivators for blood donation. Data collection included quantitative and qualitative data. Comparative analyses by gender, age, and education level were performed and regression models w

SUBMITTER: Torres Perez-Iglesias C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11813101 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature