Knowledge of blood donation and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the level of knowledge about blood donation and associated factors in Ethiopia.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsBoth published and unpublished cross-sectional studies on the level of knowledge about blood donation in Ethiopia were included. Articles from different databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and African Journals Online were searched. Cochrane I2 statistics were used to check for heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses of evidence of heterogeneity were carried out. Egger’s test with funnel plot was conducted to investigate publication bias.ResultTwenty cross-sectional studies with a total of 8338 study participants (4712 men and 3626 women) were included. The overall nationwide level of knowledge about blood donation was 56.57% (95% CI 50.30 to 62.84). Being in secondary school and above (adjusted OR=3.12; 95% CI 2.34 to 4.16) and being male (adjusted OR=1.81; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.28) were the factors associated with level of knowledge about blood donation.ConclusionMore than half of the study participants were knowledgeable about blood donation. Sex and educational status were the factors significantly associated with level of knowledge about blood donation in Ethiopia. Therefore, there is a need for education and dissemination of information about blood donation among the general population to build adequate knowledge and maintain regular blood supply.

Willingness to donate blood and associated factors among patient caregivers at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest Ethiopia

“…Evidence indicated that higher-level education increases the knowledge and positive attitude of individuals, thereby encouraging people to donate blood continually. 23 Attitude towards blood donation was found to be significantly associated with willingness to donate blood. Accordingly, the odds of willingness to donate blood in the future among study participants who had a favorable attitude was nearly 5 times higher as compared to those participants who had an unfavorable attitude.…”

“…6 The shortage of blood is a common problem in health institutions globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries. 7 Approximately 80 million units of blood were collected from voluntary donors globally each year, though only 2 million units were collected in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the need is very high. 8 In SSA, a total of 18 million units of safe blood are required annually, but only 15% were collected.…”

“…22 However, unwillingness to donate blood is still the most common problem for the low proportion of blood donation practice in resource-limited countries, including Ethiopia. 23 Thus, assessment of willingness to donate blood could have a great role in improving the availability of blood and blood products. In addition, there is limited data regarding willingness to donate blood among patient caregivers in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area.…”

Blood donation practice and its predictors among undergraduate college students in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia

“… 41 The other reason is that women are more likely to have physiological circumstances that prevent them from donating blood like menstruation and bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. 42 This suggests that women should be informed more about the health advantages of blood donation and health information delivery through campaigns and different sources of information.…”

Community survey on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of blood donation in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

“…7 However lower knowledge levels were noted in the study populace in Ethiopia and Jordan while higher levels of knowledge were found by investigators in Malaysia, India, and Benin City in Nigeria. [8][9][10][11][12] This could be due to differences in the assessment technique and demographic differences.…”