Low Blood Donation Practice of Health Sciences College Students in Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Blood transfusion is a basic and an emergency intervention in health care facilities which has a great role in reducing significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a major shortage of blood and blood products in developing countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess practice of blood donation and associated factors among health science college students in Dessie town, northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health science college students from May to June 2019. A pre-tested and self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis model was applied to identify independent predictors of blood donation practice at the level of significance below 0.05. RESULTS: Overall, 12.4% (95% CI: 9.5–15.5) of participants had been donated blood at least once in their lifetime. However, 59.2% of participants have willingness to donate blood in the future. In this study, older age (≥25years) (AOR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.18–4.46), had family history of blood transfusion (AOR=3.55, 95% CI: 1.71–7.36), had knowledge (AOR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.04–4.17) and favorable attitude (AOR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.01–5.75) about blood donation were significantly associated with practice of donating blood. CONCLUSION: In this study, blood donation practice of health sciences college students was found to be low. Age, family history of blood transfusion, knowledge and attitude towards blood donation were independent predictors of blood donation practice. Therefore, Red Cross societies, Dessie town health office, health science colleges and other stakeholders should enhance the awareness of college students regarding the importance of donating blood.