ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION AMONG RESIDENTS OF GUBRYE SUBCITY, WOLKITE TOWN, GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA IN NOVEMBER, 2017E.C

Abstract

Background Blood is a scarce and yet essential part of human life with no substitute and blood transfusion is a core service within health care system. The demand for blood transfusion is rising in relation to increased life expectancy, accidents, severe anemia, cancer, chronic diseases, pregnancy-related complication and technological advancements in the healthcare delivery system yet it outweighs its supply. There is a constant effort made to increase voluntary blood donation practice. Voluntary unpaid donors are the safest group who gives blood regularly. The average number of blood donations per 1,000populations is 10 times higher in highincome countries than in low-income countries. It is generally recommended that the equivalent of 1% of the population should donate blood to meet a country’s needs. In many countries, the development of blood transfusion services has been largely restricted to major cities and universal access is still not guaranteed for those in most critical need for safe blood for their survival. (1)So willingness to donate blood without expecting financial reward is one major factor to influence blood availability. The outcome of this study is essential to provides valuable insight that can lead to better education, policies, and practices to ensure safe adequate and sustainable blood supply. Objective: this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of voluntary blood donation in Gubrye subcity, Wolkite town, Gurage zone, Central Ethiopia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in Gubrye subcity, Wolkite town, Gurage zone, Central Ethiopia in November 2017 with a sample size of 279 residents of the town. Afterwe chose Buchach kebele by simple random sampling technique from 2 kebeles found in Gubrye subcity, sample was taken using systematic sampling method and data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. After data is collected, it was entered into acomputer and analyzed using SPSS version 27 statistical software and graphs,frequency, tables wereused to display the result. Result: The response rate was 100%. In our study out of the 279 respondents 58.8%(164) were male. Regarding their educational level shows 27.2%(76) of respondents have degree. In our study about 101(36.2%) have good knowledge towards blood donation. Most 215 (77.1%) think that a person can be infected due to blood transfusion and the commonly responded disease to be transmitted being HIV 159 (57%).In our study 157(56.3%) of respondents have positive attitude towards blood donation. 161(57.7%) of respondents do not want to donate blood nevertheless, 100% of the respondents believe that blood donation can save lives. Majority 254(91.1%) do not want to be a regular donor. 160(57.3%) believe it is bad for health. In our study 75 (26.9%) of respondents have donated blood and from these 65(23.3%) were voluntary donors. 204(73.1%) respondents have never donated blood. From these 76(27.2%) stated that they were not approached. Conclusion: From our assessment residents in Buchach kebele, Gubrye subcity, Wolkite town, Central Ethiopia have poor knowledge and practice towards blood donation despite relatively better attitude.. Even if all believe that blood donation can save lives they don’t want to donate blood with the most common reason being not being approached. Therefore the nearby health facilities and Red Cross and red crescent organizations in collaboration with community establishments and religious organization expected to create awareness in the community about blood donation.