Determinants of practice of blood donation among undergraduate students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria
Journal Title: Archives of Community Medicine and Public Health - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Objective: Aim of study was to determine the factors affecting the practice of blood donation among undergraduate students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was employed. A three stage sampling technique was used to select 300 students of the institution. Information was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Outcome measure of the study is the proportion of the students that has ever donated blood. Good knowledge of blood donation was determined by the proportion of students who correctly answered seven of the ten variables used to assess knowledge. Results: The mean age of the students was 23.2±3.0 years and majority, 60% were females. Majority, 86.7% were aware of blood donation. Majority, 69.3% had good knowledge of blood donation. A minor proportion, 36.3% were certain blood in blood bank were safe, while 59.3% were willing to donate blood in the future. A minor proportion, 13.3% have ever donated blood of which 55% of them have donated once. Major reasons for not donating blood included fear, 53.8%, no interest/ignorance, 19.6% and cultural/religious belief, 9.2%. Predictors of being a blood donor included being male, (AOR=3.8; 95% CI:1.7-8.2), willingness to donate blood in future, (AOR=3.1; 95% CI:1.3-7.5) and being of low socio-economic status, (AOR=0.4; 95% CI:0.2-0.9). Conclusions: Majority of respondents had good knowledge of blood donation but only a minor proportion has ever donated blood, however, majority were willing to donate blood in the future. The major barriers to the practice of blood donation among the students were based on misconceptions and lack of information. There is the need for adequate public enlightenment and regular blood donation awareness campaigns in the university and the society at large. The aim of such campaigns which should emphasize the benefits of blood donation would be to target those who are willing to donate blood in the future as they could be the mainstay of blood donation if properly motivated especially in developing countries.
Authors and Affiliations
Ossai Edmund Ndudi, Eze Nelson C, Chukwu Okwudiri, Uguru Ugochinyere A, Ukpai Ezinne C, Ihere Ezeogo
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP326766
- DOI 10.17352/2455-5479.000032
- Views 90
- Downloads 0
How to control the Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS dual epidemic
This review contains the novel approaches and innovations on how to control the Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS dual epidemics. AIDS kills more than 8000 people every day worldwide. More than 5000 people die from TB every day....
A Pilot Study Exploring the Relationship between Short-Term HRV and Self-Rated Health Status among Elderly People
Introduction: Establishing a personalized health care system can enable elderly people to access health care in their familiar community or home environments to achieve aging in place. The aims of this study are twofold:...
Prevalence of Hypertension among adults aged 40 years and above in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
Introduction: This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of hypertension among adults aged 40 years and above in a rural Nigerian Population. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were completed...
Prevalence and Correlates of Family Meals among Families of 3rd Graders
Introduction: Dietary intake has a significant role in promoting health and preventing disease. Family meals have been associated with higher nutrient intake, lower obesity rates, and other social benefits, yet little is...
Healthful School Environment: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Primary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria
Introduction: A healthy school environment (physical, biological and socio-cultural) serves as a major determinant of health and greatly influences the individual’s level of intellectual growth and development. This stud...