PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE OF BLOOD DONATION AMONG ADULTS IN IBADAN SOUTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA(LGA), NIGERIA

Abstract

Blood donation is a social practice which saves lives. There is dearth of information about peoples' perception of blood donation and the level of its adoption. This study was therefore designed to determine the perception and practice of blood donation among adults in lbadan South East Local Government Area (LGA). The study was a cross sectional survey carried out among adults in lbadan South East LGA. A three stage random sampling technique was used to select 420 (210 men and 210 women) respondents from households in the 12 political wards in the LGA. Instruments for data collection were a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Guide and semi-structured questionnaire using a 6-point blood donation knowledge scale. Eight FGDs (four each for males and females) were conducted. Data from the FGDs were analysed using thematic approach. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used to analyse the quantitative data. The mean age of the respondents was 34 ± 11.5 years and 64.8% were married. About half (50.7%) of them were Muslims while majority (89.0%) were Yoruba. The overall mean knowledge score was 2.7±1.2 out of a maximum of 6. The mean score obtained by respondents with primary, secondary and tertiary education were: 2.6 ± I.2, 2.6 ± 1.2 and 2.8 ± 1.2 respectively. The mean knowledge score for Muslims was 2.7 ± 1.2 while that of Christians was 2.6 ± 1.2. Majority (81.1%) of the respondents had heard about blood donation but only 24.3% had ever donated blood. Previous blood donors consisted of 66.7% male and 33.3% female. Residents who were older than 30 years (68.6%) had donated more than those who were less titan 30 years (31.4%) (p < 0,05). Donors that have never been married (85.3%) were significantly more than donors that were married (14.7%) (p < 0.05). Misconceptions about blood donation among respondents were that it can lead to fainting / collapsing (20.2%). death (12.6%). dizziness (9.8%) and weakness (9.5%). In all. 83.6% were of the opinion that people should be encouraged to donate blood. The altitude of the respondents to blood donation was positive as 97.6% of them agreed that blood donation saves lives. Although few (32.9%) of the respondents had ever informed people to go for blood donation. majority (61.0%) of the respondents expressed their willingness to donate blood in the future. Most FGD participants under 30 years of age said that they do not know what can be done to promote blood donation in their community while in the case of males and females aged 30-65 years, majority considered eating proper diet will make people healthy thus making such people suitable for blood donation. Despite respondents' high level of awareness about blood donation, the practice was low. Health education strategies such as public enlightenment and advocacy are needed to address the problem.