Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Voluntary Blood Donation among Healthcare Workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Adequate and safe blood supply has remained a challenge in developing countries like ours. There is a high dependency on family replacement and remunerated donor blood in our environment which carries an attendant increased risk of transfusion  transmissible infections.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of voluntary blood donation among healthcare workers (non physicians), to identify and recruit potential voluntary blood donors.

Methodology: This was a cross sectional descriptive study carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. A total of 163 staff  were recruited. Pretested questionnaires were used to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice of voluntary blood donation.

Statistical Analysis: The responses were collated and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16. The association between blood donation practice and gender of respondents, category of staff and level of education were tested using Chi-square and Fisher’s test where appropriate. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32years (18 – 56) with females accounting for 55.6% (90). A total of 74.8% (122) attained tertiary education and 55.8% (91) of respondents were senior staff. Majority have good knowledge and positive attitude towards donation however only 22.1% (36) have donated blood with 9.2% (15) of these being voluntary. Males workers were more likely to donate (p value <0.05). There was no significant association between blood donation and level of education.

Conclusion: There is a strong disparity between the knowledge, attitude and practice of voluntary donation amongst healthcare workers.

Key words: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Blood Donation, Healthcare Workers