Abstract
Background: High altitude like Aseer region has many challenges, where exposure to hypoxia is the most reported challenge. The ambient hypoxia activates a number of physiologic consequences including hyperventilation, increased resting heart rate and stimulation of erythrocyte production with the goal of preserving the oxygen content of arterial blood at or above sea level values.
Aim: The current study aims to assess the association between blood donation and improved sleep quality among blood donors in Aseer Region, southern of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered questionnaire during the period from May to August 2022 targeting all Saudi population aged 18 years or more living in Aseer region. The study questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms by the researchers and their colleagues till no more answers were obtained. The study questionnaire included participants' personal data, medical history, blood donation data including frequency, causes and associated symptoms. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Results: A total of 447 participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Participants ages ranged from 18 to 60 years with mean age of 26.9 +/- 12.7 years old. A total of 215 (48.1%) participants reported donating blood which was only once among 68 (31.6%), and 2-3 times among 82 (38.1%). Regarding overall sleep quality among blood donors in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, exactly 116 (54%) of the study participants with blood donation history were poor sleepers while 99 (46%) were good sleepers. Better sleep quality was significantly associated with more frequent blood donation times.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study showed that sleep quality among Aseer residents after blood donation was much lower than reported incidence especially among participants who donated blood more than once. Also, the attitude toward blood donation was good where nearly 1 out of each 2 participants donated blood for moral issues.