Voluntary Blood Donation Among Bahir Dar University Students: Application of Integrated Behavioral Model, Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020

Abstract

Introduction

The World Health Organization recommends that 1% to 3% of a country's population should donate blood to meet its demand and should focus on young people to achieve 100% voluntary blood donation. The aim of this study was to assess voluntary blood donation among Bahir Dar University students by using an integrated behavioral model.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on Bahir Dar University students from March 1–21, 2020. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select 625 study participants. Data were entered in Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Path analysis was done using Stata 15 to check the causal effect of the integrated behavioral model constructs on voluntary blood donation. Internal consistency and validity of constructs were checked using Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis, respectively. Multivariable linear and logistics regression were used to predict independent predictors on intention and voluntary blood donation, respectively. The significant independent predictor was declared at 95% confidence interval and P-value < 0.05.

Results

One hundred and four (16.8%) university students donated blood voluntarily. Being female (AOR = 1.92 (1.15–3.22)), being third year (AOR = 2.88 (1.55–5.35)), knowledge (AOR = 1.53 (1.32–1.77)), descriptive norm (AOR = 1.10 (1.01–1.12)) and intention (AOR = 1.42 (1.28–1.57)) were positively associated with blood donation. Injunctive norm (B = 0.06) and self-efficacy (B = 0.36) have significant association with intention. Intention, descriptive norm and knowledge have significant effect on blood donation with path coefficient 0.0, 0.09 and 0.48, respectively.

Conclusion

The magnitude of voluntary blood donation was low as compared to other similar studies. Descriptive norm, intention, knowledge, sex, year of study were significant predictors associated with voluntary blood donation. Therefore, behavioral change health communication strategies should develop to address these factors among the students. Researchers should conduct prospective analytical study design to examine the causal relationship of constructs of the model to develop better interventional strategy.

Keywords:

• integrated behavioral model
• voluntary blood donation
• path analysis

Acknowledgment

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Amhara Regional Health Bureau for the financial support. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Bahir Dar University, Amhara Regional Health Bureau and finally, we thank each study participant and the data collectors.

Abbreviations

WHO, World Health Organization; IBM, integrated behavioral model; BI, behavioral intention; DN, descriptive norm; EA, experiential attitude; IA, instrumental attitude; IN, injunctive norm; PC, perceived control; SE, self efficacy; TPB, theory of planned behavior; VBD, voluntary blood donation.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethical Approval and Consent

Ethical clearance was obtained from Bahirdar University College of Medicine and Health Science's Institutional Review Board. After the purpose and objective of the study had been informed, verbal and written consent was obtained from each study participant. Participants were informed that participation was on a voluntary basis and they can leave the study at any time if they are not comfortable about the questionnaire. In order to keep confidentiality of any information provided by study subjects, the data collection procedure was anonymous. Participants under the age of 18 years were approved by the ethics committee to be able to provide informed consent on their own behalf and the study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Funding

Amhara Regional Health Bureau is the funding organization for collection, entry, analysis and interpretation of this research data.