Willingness and motivators of voluntary blood donation among staff and patients of a Tertiary Health Institution in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Donated blood saves lots of lives and improves the health of many. The need for blood is universal, but access to blood for all those who  need is not. Voluntary, unpaid blood donors are usually encouraged to donate to mitigate the shortages. Motivators and willingness to voluntarily donate is an important aspect to consider in order to increase blood donations.

Aim: To elucidate the willingness and motivators of voluntary blood donation among the participants.

Method: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out using pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire administered to 288 participants  selected by systematic random sampling technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 38.81 ±  11.67, males were more (n=149, 51.70%). Those with secondary education, were civil servants, resided in rural areas and those in non-health related  disciplines were 55.20%, 55.30%, 71.50% and 58.30% respectively. Those willing to voluntarily donate blood were 57.64% (n=166). There was significant  relationship between willingness to voluntarily donate blood and the age, gender, religion, ethnicity, marital status, education, discipline and their  number of children. In addition, having been transfused/having a transfused loved one, having been told/educated on the need to donate blood also  showed statistically significant relationship. The independent predictors of willingness to voluntarily donate blood were gender, type of discipline,  residence, ever being asked or educated on the need to donate blood and having to donate blood for family/friends.

Conclusion: More women should be  encouraged to donate blood, increased public awareness on the need for blood donation should be encouraged. Accessible blood donation facilities  should be provided and those working in the health discipline sector should see themselves as ambassadors of information to others on the need for  blood donation.