Analysis of motivational factors, possible deterrents and actualities about blood donation in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Blood is a body fluid responsible for transportation of nutrients, oxygen and metabolic waste. It is a non-pharmaceutical product obtained through voluntary donations. Blood transfusion is very important in the health system of any nation. Patients who are in need of blood donation expect the availability of adequate blood to satisfy their demands. Nevertheless, this is not so, mainly in third world countries like Zimbabwe where less than 6 people donate blood per 1000 populace. We need to deeply understand motivators, possible deterrents and available blood donor knowledge in order to have adequate regular voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Methods: A cross sectional study of donors incorporating purposive sampling technique was used and a sample size of 465 was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used where donors were rating importance of: factors that motivate or deter their interest to donate blood and rate their blood donation knowledge. Statistical methods were used for reliability and correlation tests. Results: Most of the 465 participants were 1st time donors262(56.3%) and 203(43.7%) had some donation history. All donors endorsed that there exist factors that motivate them to donate blood which included the desire to help someone in need 386 (83%), good attitude of staff 419 (90%), reminders to donate381 (82%) and donor incentives 409 (88%) with their corresponding response rate. Six out of the nine suggested deterrents were endorsed as significant deterrents to blood donation. The corresponding support rate for each deterrent are absence of incentives 529(82%), poor attitude of staff 363(78%), myths and beliefs, 330(71%), feeling bad after donation, 251(54%) and the belief that blood will be sold 330(71%). Most people did not know the minimum age to donate blood as only 54 (11.61%) and only 168(36.13%) knew the correct interval between donations which should be 4 months. Only 171(36.77%) knew that blood expire. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that more donor drives needs to be taken educating people on blood donation, motivating donors to donate whenever there is blood shortage. Young donors are more attracted to concrete items as incentives and females donate more than males. Attitude of staff can motivate or demotivate donors to continue with this altruism gesture.