Blood supply shortage is a worldwide problem including Malaysia. According to statistical data from 2011 to 2015, Terengganu which is one of the states in Malaysia has the lowest blood donation rate. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude score towards blood donation and their associated factors among nondonors of Kuala Terengganu. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire involving systematically random sampling of 320 nondonors attending Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah. Data were analysed using Multiple Logistic Regression and Pearson correlation. Results: The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 5.19 (1.87) and 70.79 (8.19), respectively. Sixty-four percent (64.69%) and 92.81% of the participants have good knowledge and attitude, respectively. Gender, education level, and occupation have a significant association with knowledge, while education level and occupation were found to be significantly associated with attitude. No significant association found between the knowledge and attitude level. Most reported barriers to blood donation were a refusal to give blood to other religion and race. The main source to acquire information pertaining to blood donation was mainly from social media. Conclusion: Refusal of giving blood to other religion and race is recognised as the main issue that hinders participants to donate their blood. Thus, proper education and aggressive promotion regarding blood donation are needed especially among the nondonor in this region of Malaysia.
Mild bleeding symptoms are commonly encountered in the general population & amongst individuals with platelet disorders. One of the possible causes is due to reduced number of dense granules synthesis in platelets and defective release of its contents. This study was aimed to evaluate platelets mepacrine-labelled dense granules storage and release using flow cytometry in healthy individuals and those presenting with mild bleeding symptoms.Methods: This study was conducted at the National Blood Centre (NBC) and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Thirty- four individuals were recruited as controls (n=24) and patients (n=10). ADP-activated platelets and mepacrine-labelled dense granules was detected using flow cytometry. Results were expressed as mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of mepacrine in resting and activated platelets; representing dense granules storage and release, respectively. Statistical analysis was considered significant if p ≤0.05. Results: There was a significant difference of mean MFI between resting (1284.3 ± 91.8) and activated platelets (1233.8 ± 107.8) of overall respondents with mean difference of 50.5 (p