Abstract

Background: Voluntary non-remunerated blood donation practice in Nigeria needs to be clarified, considering the current increasing requirement for blood transfusion.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate explanatory factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary blood donation among people in Ondo South senatorial district Ondo State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-four residents were recruited purposively, using stratified and convenience sampling techniques with a pre-tested questionnaire used for the survey.

Results: Of the 384 patients recruited into the study, 50.3% were between ages 18 and 39 years; mostly married (84.4%); predominantly with tertiary education (52%); and mostly self-employed (67.4%). Knowledge about voluntary blood donation was poor (mean score 8.4) despite 74.5% claimed awareness of voluntary blood donation. Attitude was good (mean score 8.0). Most respondents (88.5%) did not consider religion a barrier to blood donation. Practice was poor (mean score 0.59). Only 16.9% have donated blood before and 23.1% of this did voluntary blood donation. Education and age made significant differences in knowledge and attitude but not with practice. Occupational factor and religion made no significant difference in knowledge, attitude, and in practice, but marital status did on knowledge.

Conclusion: There is good awareness of voluntary blood donation and a positive attitude however practice lags considerably in practice. Misconceptions about blood donation needs to be addressed, while efforts should be made by stakeholders toward educating the populace on the need to voluntarily donate blood.

Key words: Attitude; Knowledge; Practice; Voluntary Blood Donation