Factors influencing blood donation practices among students of private universities in Thika Town, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: In spite of extensive efforts on blood donation programs conducted worldwide, the availability of adequate blood supply continues to be a demanding challenge in developing countries, including Kenya. This study was conducted with the objective to assess factors influencing voluntary blood donation practices among students of private universities in Thika town, Kiambu County, Kenya.Methods: This cross-sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted at Mount Kenya University and Gretsa University. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 385 students from the two universities. Questionnaire was used in gathering information from students. The Pearson chi-square analysis and p value<0.05 were found statistically significant. Logistic regressions analysis was used to predict factors influencing blood donation.Results: The study found that knowledge and the time respondents received information on blood donation in university were predictive factors influencing blood donation. The study also found that 57.1% of the respondents received information on blood donation from high school. In addition, 60% of the students were identified as having no blood donation history. Respondent major reasons for not donating blood were not asked to donate (44.3%), lack of information (28.5%), and fear of needles (23.2%). Some of the donors identified negative effects of post-blood donation such as dizziness, tiredness, and feeling weak.Conclusions: The study concludes that not asking students to donate and lack of timely information on blood donation were the main reasons for low blood donation practices among students in private universities in Thika Town, Kiambu County, Kenya.