Knowledge of Blood Donation among Adults in North-Central Nigeria
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Date
2019-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria
Abstract
Background: About half of the population in Nigeria is medically fit for blood donation but only
four in one thousand are voluntary donors. The low level of blood donation has been attributed to
poor knowledge, misconceptions, myths, bias, poverty, fear, malnutrition among the population.
Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge of blood donation among adults in two selected
North Central States of Nigeria.
Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 3104 respondents comprising of
adults between 18 and 60 years were involved in the study. A multistage sampling technique was
used and the research tool was interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data generated were
entered into the computer and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using EPI INFO
computer software package (version 3.5.3). Pearson Chi Square (χ 2 ) was used to test statistical
significance and p-value was set at < 0.05.
Results: Majority of the respondents 2565 (82.5%) knew that blood donation save lives. More than
three-quarters, 2468 (79.5%), knew where to go for voluntary blood donation. About one-third,
(37.1%), demonstrated good knowledge of voluntary blood donation. Older respondents (>60
years) had poor knowledge of blood transfusion compared with younger age groups (p<0.001).
Respondents’ occupation and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge of
blood transfusion (p<0.001)
Conclusion: Periodic awareness programme on voluntary blood donation in rural and urban areas
across Nigeria is needed. In addition, sensitization of the informal sector on the significance of
non-remunerated voluntary blood donation should be given priority
Description
Keywords
Knowledge, Blood, Donation, North- Central, Nigeria
Citation
Salaudeen AG , Durowade KA , Durotoye AI , Sanni EO , Musa OI , Akande TM