Determinants of blood donation among selected tertiary college students in Homa Bay County Kenya

Abstract

Background: Globally blood donation rate is low. 31.5 donations per 1000 people in high income countries and 5.0 donations per 1000 people in low-income countries. Donors aged 16-25 years are ideal target for recruitment efforts. The study aimed to assess determinants of blood donation among students of selected tertiary institutions of Homa Bay County Kenya.Methods: Cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data from 424 study participants, three focused group discussions and three key informants between April 2021 and July 2021.Data collection tools included structured questionnaire and interview guide. Data analysed using statistical package for social sciences version 21.0, Pearson’s correlation calculated for reliability. Percentage agreement calculated with values>75% being acceptable. Chi square (X2) test and Logistic regression were used to determine association and strength, while qualitative data coded thematically.Results: Most respondents were male 221 (60.5%) and 159 (43.6%) of respondents were of 19-21 years age group. Majority were blood donors 199 (54.5%). Reliability result was significant, r (39)=(.82), p=(.000) with simple percentage agreement of 78%. The study revealed that sex OR=0.493 p=0.013 and rare blood type, A (OR) 8.597 p=0.0.009, and O+ (OR) 2.189 p=0.012 of the students were significant socio- characteristics factors associated with blood donation.Conclusions: Sex and blood type were significant socio-demographic characteristics associated with blood donation.