Magnitude and Factors associated with Voluntary Blood Donation Practice among Adult Mekelle Population, North Ethiopia: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Globally, around 107 million blood donations are collected annually. However, only two million units are donated in sub-Saharan Africa where the need is enormous. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the magnitude and factors affecting blood donation practice among adult Mekelle population. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Using multistage sampling technique and a pre-tested structured interview questionnaire, data were collected from 845 study participants. Collected data were entered into EPI-INFO version 3.5.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Chi-square, binary, and multivariable logistic regression was done to see association and identify predictor variables of blood donation practice. All randomly selected study individuals were participated in the study. The mean age of respondent was 29.7±11.2 years. Only 107(12.7%) of the respondents have ever donated blood in life among this 73(68%) was voluntary blood donors. Respondents' age group between 31 and 40, with primary education were found 3.29 and 5.92 times more likely to donate blood than those younger in age and illiterates counter parts, respectively. As well, respondent who are knowledgeable were 3.34 times more likely to donate blood than nonknowledgeable. This study revealed that voluntary blood donation practice were found to be badly low but variables like age, educational status, and knowledge was found as predictors of voluntary blood donation.

Keywords: Blood donation, Factors affecting blood donation, Knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation, Mekelle, Ethiopia

Cite this Article

Lalit Ingale, Shishay Gessesse, Gebremeskel Miruts. Magnitude and factors associated with voluntary blood donation practice among adult Mekelle population, north Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2015; 4(3): 5–13p.