Barriers and facilitators to voluntary blood donation in Enugu: An assessment of adult donor behavior

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice of adults in Enugu metropolis toward voluntary blood donation (VBD). Methods: Multilevel random sampling was used to select areas and participants, data were collected through a close-ended, interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to VBD. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Findings indicate that 93.6% (n=233) of respondents were aware of blood donation, with primary sources of this knowledge being television (32.2%, n=75) and friends (21.9%, n=51), while 6.4% (n=16) were not. Findings also reveal that 70.8% (n=165) of respondents view blood donation positively, while 9.9% (n=23) perceive it negatively, 19.3% (n=45) remain neutral. Substantial majority, 76.3% (n=190), were willing to donate blood if requested, while 23.7% (n=59) expressed unwillingness to donate, with various reasons cited for this reluctance, 29.6% (n=59) perceived contacting infection as a harmful effect of voluntary blood donation. 37.3% (n=93) of respondents have previously donated blood, while 62.7% (n=156) have not. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high level of awareness and specific beliefs about blood donation eligibility and safety, with considerable portion holding concerns about infection risk. There is predominantly a positive attitude toward voluntary blood donation, and while majority display willingness to donate blood, a notable subset remains hesitant due to personal, psychological, and religious concerns. These insights suggest a need for targeted educational and outreach efforts to address fears and misconceptions, as well as to provide reassurance regarding the safety and benefits of blood donation.