Voluntary Blood Donation among Medical Students in a Resource-limited Country

Abstract

Background: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) surveys have shown variable results with respect to blood donation among the university students in developing countries. However, no similar study has been conducted in Sudan where circumstances demand an adequate and safe supply of blood. We sought to assess knowledge, attitudes, motives and barriers for voluntary blood donation among the medical students at a university in Sudan. 

Methods: An institutional-based, cross-sectional survey using a pre-coded self-administered questionnaire was conducted in October 2015. A total of 393 medical students participated in the survey. 

Results: The overall response rate was 76%. There were more female respondents (265/67.4%) with 106 (27%) students having had donated blood in the past. The main reasons for donating blood were: altruism (28/26.4%), and helping a sick member of the family, friend and others in need (28/26.4%). The main reason for not donating blood was not being asked to donate blood (55/19.2%). Ninety-five participants (36.8%) indicated they will not accept blood transfusion in Sudan due to inadequate infection control standards. Students who had donated blood in the past were more knowledgeable about the age limit (p-value = 0.004), amount of blood that can be drawn for each donation (p-value = 0.003), and that the blood must be screened for infectious diseases before transfusion. Perceptions that donating blood is a religious duty (p-value = 0.000), a national duty (p-value = 0.000), and a healthy habit (p-value = 0.001) were also associated with previous blood donors. 

Conclusions: Optimal voluntary blood donation practice can be attained through an effective public health policy intervention and community engagement. Education is critical to closing the knowledge gaps, improving awareness and addressing fears concerning blood donation if medical students are to be encouraged to voluntarily donate blood.