Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward blood donation and transfusion and associated factors among the adult population of Gondar town

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The current demand and actual supply of blood in developing nations are under swing imbalance. Blood donations have been hampered by societal misconceptions and lack of awareness regarding blood and blood donations. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice about blood donation and transfusion and associated factors among the adult population in Gondar town. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted from July to August 2021 in Gondar town. Multistage sampling technique together with a random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire via face‑to‑face interviews. Binary logistic regression was done to identify associated factors. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 826 participants, 90.1% and 79% of the respondents had good knowledge and favorable attitude toward blood donation, respectively. About 35.4% of participants had an experience of practicing blood donation. Regarding blood transfusion, 27.5% of respondents had a history of transfusion by their own or their family members. Overall, 75% and 83.5% of participants had good knowledge and favorable attitude toward blood transfusion, respectively. Being a government employee, student, health worker, having good knowledge and favorable attitude toward donation were significantly associated with blood donation practice. While the level of education and occupational status were significantly associated with the level of knowledge about blood donation. CONCLUSION: The level of blood donation practice was low. Therefore, organizing intensive blood donation campaigns and regularly intervention on the barrier of donation practice should be maintained at the community level. Keywords: Attitude, blood donation, blood transfusion, Gondar, knowledge, practice