Blood Donation Patterns and Factors Influencing Non-Remunerated Blood Donation in Uganda:

Abstract

Background This study was conducted in the Acholi sub region in Northern Uganda to understand the trend in quantity of blood donated and the factors that influence voluntary blood donation as the main objective. The trend was studied retrospectively for four financial years starting 2010/11 up to 2013/14. Specific objectives included; determining the socio-demographic traits of the respondents, to define the trend in quantity of blood donated over the study years, to identify the factors that influence non-remunerated blood donation and to quantify the amount of units of blood wasted to Transfusion Transmissible Infections. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study design was applied. The data collection involved both questionnaires to extract primary data from potential blood donors and data extraction form to retrieve data from blood bank data base. Results: The findings indicated statistical stagnation in the trend for the quantity of blood donated over the study period.

Figure showing the trend in quantity of blood (units) donated from July 2010 to June 2014 with a Mann Kendall statistical test. The peak potential blood donors are age groups of 17-28 up to 29-38 years and mostly Christian with majority at primary level of education. Motivators to blood donation included; 49.7% of the respondents with the zeal to know health status and 25.3% altruism to donate blood followed by 9.8% experience from transfused relatives while a few (5.1 and 4.1%) peer influence and donor awards influenced some respondents. Contrary, de-motivators included; 29% lack time to donate blood followed by 18% who harbor diverse fears, 13% are ignorant of where to donate blood from and 9% has myths. The greatest loss to collected blood is caused by hepatitis B and C virus (over 80%) combined followed by HIV at an average of 13% and least contribution was Syphilis at an average of 5%.

Conclusion and recommendations: The researcher hence recommended the following: The national blood service carry out more sustained sensitization about blood donation with accurate and convincing information tailored to the local needs. Blood service should use potential blood donors‟ time minimally during blood donation exercise; avoid long waiting time during blood donation. Government should provide mass Hepatitis B virus vaccination for blood donors and Pre-donation screening for Hepatitis B viruses. The Blood service should exploit and actively involve the local community members in blood donation process.