UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND

HEALTH SCIENCE
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF
BLOOD DONATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NONHEALTH SCIENCE
STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2024.
List of investigators
1, Agezew Adugna …….... 03747/11
2, Agimas Mesfin ………... 03772/11
3, Belete Tewabe ………... 03756/11
4, Fikremaryam Shitu …... 03804/10

ADVISORS: Dr. Workagegnehu Hailu (MD, consultant Internist,

Nephrologist, Associate Professor of Medicine)
Dr. Tamene Habtu (MD, Pediatrician, Assistant Professor of
Pediatric & Child health Medicine)
This thesis is submitted to University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health
Science, School of Medicine, in partial fulfillment for the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
July, 2024.
Gondar, Ethiopia.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and for most we would like to thank the almighty God for everything. we would like to
extend our heartfelt gratitude to University of Gondar college of medicine and health science
School of Medicine for giving us this opportunity. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude
to our Advisors Dr. Workagegnehu Hailu and Dr. Tamene Habtu for their unreserved support
for developing this proposal.

Additionally, we would like to thank school of medicine and University of Gondar registrar
office for giving us the necessary information.

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Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..................................................................................................................................i
LIST OF TABLES;..........................................................................................................................................iv
LIST OF FIGURES;.........................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF ABBREVATIONS AND ACRONYMS...................................................................................................vi
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................vii
1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem.................................................................................................................2
1.3 Significance of the study........................................................................................................................3
1.4 Literature Review..............................................................................................................................4
1.4.2 Attitude.......................................................................................................................................4
1.4.3 Practice.......................................................................................................................................5
1.4.4 Factors........................................................................................................................................6
2.5 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK..............................................................................................................8
2. OBJECTIVE................................................................................................................................................9
2.2. Specific Objectives............................................................................................................................9
3. METHODS AND MATERIALS...................................................................................................................10
3.2 Study area and Period......................................................................................................................10
3.3 Source population............................................................................................................................10
3.5. Inclusion and exclusion criteria.......................................................................................................10
3.6 sample size determination...............................................................................................................11
3.7 Sampling methods & procedures....................................................................................................11
3.8. Study variables................................................................................................................................14
3.8.2. Independent variables.............................................................................................................14
3.9 Operational Definitions....................................................................................................................14
3.10 Data collection techniques and tools.............................................................................................14
3.11 Data quality control measures.......................................................................................................15
3.12 Data processing and analysis.........................................................................................................15
4. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS....................................................................................................................16
5. DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS.................................................................................................................16
6. RESULT...................................................................................................................................................17

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 6.1 Socio-demographic Characteristics..................................................................................................17
6.2. Level of knowledge.........................................................................................................................19
6.3. Level of Attitude.............................................................................................................................22
6.4 Practice............................................................................................................................................23
6.5. Associated factors...........................................................................................................................25
6.5.1. Factors associated with knowledge towards voluntary blood donation..................................25
6.5.2. Factors associated with attitude towards voluntary blood donation.......................................27
6.5.3. Factors associated with practice of voluntary blood donation population..............................28
7. DISCUSSION...........................................................................................................................................31
8. CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................................34
9. STRENGTH AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY.........................................................................................34
9.1 Strength of the study.......................................................................................................................34
9.2 Limitation of the study.....................................................................................................................34
10. RECOMMENDATIONS..........................................................................................................................34
11. REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................35

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 LIST OF TABLES;
Table 1:Socio demographic characteristics on blood donation among non-health science students of
UoG 2024...................................................................................................................................................18
Table 2:knowledge on blood donation among non-health science students of UoG 2024.......................20
Table 3:Attitude towards blood donation among non-health science students of UoG 2024...................23
Table 4:Practice of blood donation among non-health science students of UoG 2024.............................24
Table 5:Bivariate analysis of factors associated with knowledge towards voluntary blood donation, UoG
2024...........................................................................................................................................................26
Table 6:Bivariable analysis of factors associated with attitude towards voluntary blood donation UoG
2024...........................................................................................................................................................28
Table 7:Bivariable analysis of factors associated with practice of voluntary blood donation UoG 2024...29

iv
LIST OF FIGURES;
Figure 1 A conceptual framework of knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors of blood
donation among undergraduate non health science students in UoG, northwest Ethiopia, 2024............10
Figure 2 sampling procedure used............................................................................................................15

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LIST OF ABBREVATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AAU – Addis Ababa University

AOR – Adjusted Odds Ratio
ASTU – Adama Science and Technology University
CMV – Cytomegalovirus
CI – Confidence Interval
ERCS –Ethiopian Red Cross Society
FMoH –Federal Ministry of Health
HBV-Hepatitis B virus
HCV- Hepatitis C virus
HIV-Human Immune deficiency Virus
SPSS-Statistical Package for Social Science
VNRBD –Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donor
WHO – World Health Organization

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ABSTRACT
Background
The act of donating blood voluntarily is a significant process that has the potential to save lives.
Blood transfusion plays a crucial role in health care, annually saving numerous lives in both
routine and emergency medical situations.
Secure supply of safe blood components, based on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation is
an important national goal to prevent blood shortages. At a minimum, the World Health
Organization estimates that a country needs 1% to 3% of its population to donate blood to meet
its need. Yet, many African countries including Ethiopia are far below the minimum blood
collection rate.
Objective- To assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors towards
voluntary blood donation among non-health science undergraduate students of Gondar
university, Ethiopia ,2024.
Methods-A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3787 students in non - health
science under graduate students of Gondar University. A stratified random sampling procedure
was employed according to year of study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to
collect data. A binary logistic regression was used to identify candidate variables with P
value of 0.25 for multivariate model and multivariate logistic regressions was applied to
identify factors independently associated with blood donation.
Result- The proportion of students having good knowledge of blood donation, favorable attitude
and practice were 241 (62.8%),257(66.9%) and 107 (27.9 %) respectively. Knowledge was
significantly associated with age 25- 28 [AOR=13.5(2.706-67.797), p=0.002] and being males
were 0.519 times [AOR, 95%CI: 0.519(0.319-0.845), p=0.008] knowledgeable than females
about blood donation. self-history of blood donation (AOR=2.257, 95%CI: (1.601-4.825) and
age 21-24 (AOR=0.597(0.364-0.979) P= 0.041) were found to be statistically significant.
predictors of level of attitude. those who had self-history of blood donation were 2.3 times more
favorable attitude than never donated and those age of 21-24 were 40% less favorable attitude
than those age of 18-20 attitude (AOR=2.800, 95% CI: 1.590-4.932, p<0.000) and mother ever
attended education (AOR=2.188, 95% CI: 1.117-4.288, p=0.022) were significant associations
with practice of blood donation.
Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; blood donation.

vii
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
The act of donating blood voluntarily is a significant process that has the potential to
save lives. Blood transfusion plays a crucial role in healthcare, annually saving numerous
lives in both routine and emergency medical situations.
Furthermore, it facilitates the advancement of medical and surgical practices, leading to
improved life expectancy and enhanced quality of life for patients grappling with various
acute and chronic illness (1). In each day, several hundreds of women lose their lives due
to complications related to pregnancy. Among these, severe bleeding before, during, or
after childbirth is the leading cause of maternal death. If not promptly addressed, this
condition can fatally affect a healthy woman within just two hours (2). Regarding blood
donation, donors are categorized into three groups: voluntary unpaid,
family/replacement, and paid. Ensuring a consistent and dependable supply of safe
blood necessitates a robust foundation of regular, voluntary, and unpaid blood donors
(3). The primary objective of a transfusion is to administer the necessary blood
components to enhance the physiological condition of the patients (4).
blood and its derivatives are a valuable and unique national asset, as they can only be
sourced from individuals who donate blood or its components (5). Many nations are in
urgent need of a significant rise in the number of willing and eligible blood donors. This
is essential to ensure a consistent and secure supply of safe blood and blood products
that can adequately meet the demands of the nation (1). In the African Region,
approximately 67% of blood donations are voluntary and non-remunerated (5). A cross-
sectional survey conducted across the WHO African region revealed donation rates
ranging from 3.9 to 5.1 per 1,000 inhabitants. Notably, Central Africa and West Africa
exhibited the lowest proportions of VNRBD, standing at 34.4% and 48.4%, respectively

1
(6). Additionally, demographic data indicates that a higher proportion of young people
donate blood in low- and middle-income countries compared to their counterparts in
high-income countries. Understanding the demographics of blood donors is crucial for
designing effective recruitment strategies (7). Surveys conducted across 17 developing
countries highlighted generally high levels of knowledge regarding the uses, typing, and
testing of donated blood. However, while positive attitudes towards blood donation
were prevalent, actual donation rates were relatively low, ranging from 17.5% in South
Africa to 14% among Chilean university students (8). Furthermore, in Ethiopia, the
responsibility for Blood Transfusion Services transitioned from the ERCS to a
government-led and managed service between 2010 and 2013(9). A study among health
science students at Samara University revealed that 54% possessed adequate
knowledge of voluntary blood donation, 65.8% had favorable attitudes, yet less than a
quarter (24.5%) had donated blood (10)

1.2 Statement of the problem

Every day, approximately 800 women lose their lives due to complications related to
pregnancy and childbirth. Among these, severe bleeding before, during, or after
childbirth is the leading cause of maternal death(2). Even though African Region
experiences significant increasing demand for blood due to various factors such as childbirth
complications, malaria, accidents, and medical procedures, the supply remains insufficient (3).
This shortage of blood leads to serious consequences, such as 25%–40% of Ethiopian mothers
dying each year during childbirth due to a lack of blood supply (10).
WHO suggests that a country should aim to collect blood from 1% to 3% of its population to
meet its needs effectively. However, developing nations typically have donation rates fifteen
times lower than those in developed countries (1). Although high-income countries comprise
only 16% of the world's population, they account for approximately 42% of the total blood
collected globally (7). When we see the scarcity of blood donations in developing countries,
particularly in regions like Africa, thirty-eight countries have reported collecting less than 10
donations per 1000 population. This underscores a persistent challenge, as regular blood supply

2
is essential due to its limited storage lifespan. The ongoing requirement for a consistent blood
supply necessitates the participation of a sufficient number of healthy individuals in regular
blood donations. However, despite this need, over half of the blood supply still relies on
contributions from family members and paid blood donors (11). and when we see our country
Ethiopia despite the needs around 250,000 units of blood annually, only 88,000 units were
collected from donors by 2014(12). Similarly, in 2016, the North Gondar blood bank required
7,000 units per year but only managed to collect 4,500 unit. Several factors contribute to this
problem, including lack of knowledge, negative attitudes towards donation, and reliance on
family and paid donors (5). Although many research indicates, there have been improvements in
the percentage of voluntary blood donations, there are still ongoing issues and disparities in
blood donation. Moreover, there's a lack of comprehensive research, particularly focusing on
non-health professionals or students not enrolled in health science programs. Understanding the
knowledge, attitude, and practice of blood donation among these groups is crucial for addressing
the gap in blood supply. Therefore, the study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice
of blood donation among undergraduate students at University of Gondar who are not studying
health sciences. This research intends to provide insights into factors associated with blood
donation behavior, which can ultimately contribute to addressing the blood shortage.

1.3 Significance of the study

The progress in meeting the national demand of blood is not satisfactory despite the fact that
various efforts are made from programmatic to institutional and community level. The study is
helpful in addressing the gap of knowledge, attitude, and practice and associated factors of non
health science undergraduate students of University of Gondar. The study will have a significant
contribution in creating regular voluntary blood donors and show a way for the Ethiopian NBBS
and different concerned bodies working on maternal health, trauma and emergency services.
Identifying the gaps of the students and acting upon the problem will be very helpful in
educating the community at large about voluntary blood donation. Because the students are the
image of the community, they have the capability in creating awareness among the community
when they go back home to their families. Furthermore, it will help as base line information for
further studies.

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1.4 Literature Review
1.4.1 Knowledge
A cross-sectional study of comparison between medical and non-medical students of two
colleges conducted in Basrah, Iraq, showed 66.7% of the participants had a good knowledge
(73.0% among medical students vs. 43.0% of the students of college of administration and
Economic) (13). A study done among university students in Shah Alam, Malaysia showed
97.1 % had good knowledge (14). A study conducted among students of Chitwan, Nepal showed
that all respondents (100%) agreed to if reminded or called to donate in the future. About 61.1%
of the participants had good knowledge (15).
A cross sectional study conducted among University Students in Tanzania showed that about
126(37%) knew the amount of blood that could be donated at one setting of blood donation (16) .
A study conducted among health sciences students of Addis Ababa University showed that
321(83.7%) of respondents have good knowledge. Among the respondents, 85.7% ,90.4%,40.9%
and 91.4% knew the age, weight limit minimum time interval between two blood donations and
the maximum amount of blood to be donated respectively (17).
A Study conducted in University of Gondar on graduating undergraduate health science students
showed that Out of the total study participants, 123(48.2%) had adequate knowledge whereas
149(51.6%) had inadequate knowledge about blood donation. The majority, 234(91.8%) and
188(73.7%) of the study participants did not know the maximum age and the minimum weight
to be eligible for blood donation, respectively (18).

1.4.2 Attitude

A cross-sectional study conducted among university students, Iraq and Malaysia

showed that 68.7% and 88.8% of the participants had favorable attitude towards blood
donation respectively (13,14). A study done among university students in Kilimanjaro,
Tanzania showed that 94.7% of the study participants had favorable attitude (16).

4
A cross sectional study conducted on 384(206 male and 178 female) students of Addis
Ababa University, college of health sciences and medicine showed that around one third,
123(32%) of participants had unfavorable attitude towards blood donation. Among the
respondents all of them showed willing to donate in the future. However, 23.4%, 34.6%, and
50% of respondents believe that blood donation makes weak, causes anemia and reduce
immunity respectively (17).
A Study conducted in University of Gondar on graduating undergraduate health science students
showed that the majority, 202(79.2%), of the respondents had positive attitude whereas the
remaining 53(20.8%) had negative attitude about blood donation. About 220(86.3%) of
respondents believed that blood donation is a moral duty, and 218(85.5%) of them were
voluntary to donate blood for the future (18).

1.4.3 Practice
A descriptive cross-sectional study of comparison between medical and non-medical students of
two colleges in Basrah University was conducted in Basrah, Iraq. Of the total participants only
51 (13%) of total respondents had a history of blood donation, of those 64.7% donated only
once. The most mentioned reasons for not donating were; not being asked to donate (24.6%),
inconsideration of donation (11.1%), and fear of drawing blood (8.8%) (13). Another study
conducted among university students in Shah Alam, Malaysia showed that less than one third
of the participants (29.7%) had ever donated blood (14).
A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at Faculty of Health Sciences University of
Namibia revealed that Only 28% had donated blood on a regular basis while 224 (72%) had
never donated blood. reasons for not donating blood were; due to fear of needle (21.5%); lack of
information about blood donation (14.8%); said they were underweight (13.2%), were not
interested (10%) and said they had medical reasons (8.7%) (19).
A cross sectional study conducted in Students of Nigerian University showed that about 35.4%of
the participants had ever donated. The reasons for donating were 147(93%) to save lives,
6(3.8%) as a reward for benefiting from donated blood, 3(1.9%) to get free medical check and
2(1.3%) to get money. the reason for not donating were Lack of information on blood donation
and its importance 47(29.7%), Don’t have enough blood to donate 36(22.8%) and Fear of post
donation outcomes 15(9.5 %) (20).

5
A cross sectional study conducted among health sciences students of Addis Ababa University
showed that only less than one quarter, 90 (23.4%) have ever donated blood. Out of the total
participants (90) who ever donated blood, less than half, 38(42.2%) of them were a regular
donors. Concerning what motivates them for blood donation, 74% were motivated by moral
duty and 23.3% were motivated for maintaining once health. Among those who didn’t ever
donated blood, the main reason for not donating were: lack of information, being not asked
and fear which were 68.4%, 66.7% and 56% respectively (17).
A Study conducted in University of Gondar on graduating undergraduate health science students
showed that about 32 (12.5%) of the respondents reported that they had ever donated blood at
least once. A larger proportion, 28(87.5%), of the participants who ever donated blood reported
that they achieved satisfaction after donation. The majority, 223(87.5%), of the study
participants had never donated blood before. Their reasons were fear of pain, 71(31.8%),
feeling of medical unfitness, 54(24.3 %) and not having been asked to donate blood, 51(22.8%)
(18).

1.4.4 Factors
1.4.4.1 Factors associated with level of knowledge
A cross sectional study conducted in medical college in Karachi, Pakistan showed that male
gender was associated with knowledge on blood donation when compared to female gender (21).
A comparative study conducted in ASTU and Arsi University Non-Health Science and Health
Science students respectively showed that gender of the students was found as the significant
predictor. Accordingly, female Health Science students were 3.2 times more knowledgeable than
male. Health Science students, Religion and residence of the students were significant
predictors (22).
A study conducted among health science students of Addis Ababa University showed that Age
≥25, increased year of study and department were found to be significant predictors of level of
knowledge while sex didn’t showed any significance of knowledge (17).

1.4.4.2 Factors associated with level of attitude

A cross-sectional study among students in Semnan University of Medical Sciences ,Iran showed

6
that no significant association between gender and attitude towards blood donation(23).
The study conducted among health science students of Addis Ababa University
showed that Year of study, age and department didn’t have significant association during
multivariate analysis but Being male increased odds of favorable attitude [AOR (95% CI) =2.2
(1.4, 3.6)](17). A study done in ambo showed that the respondents who had good knowledge
were 2.16 times [AOR, (95% CI), 2.16(1.4, 3.35) more likely had positive attitude as compared
to less knowledge towards voluntary blood donation (24).

1.4.4.3 Factors Associated with Practice of Blood Donation

A study conducted at three different colleges of Kathmandu, Nepal showed that boys were much
more donating than girls, being 31.5% and 8.7% respectively (very significant, p value 0.01).
Donors also had a higher score on knowledge assessment than non-donors (highly significant, p
value 0.01). Those students who participated in organizing blood donation camps were more
likely to donate (25).
A cross sectional study among University Students in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania showed that
knowledge was not significantly associated with donation practices (16,10). A study conducted
among health science students of Addis Ababa University showed that a statistically significant
association with only sex and age >25. Being male and being age >25 increased odds of
practice (17).
A Study conducted in University of Gondar on graduating undergraduate health science students
showed that among the socio-demographic variables, age of the study participants was
significantly associated with practice of blood donation. Accordingly, students aged ≥25 years
were about four times (AOR=4.33; 95%CI: 1.60, 11.76) more likely to donate blood compared to
students aged 20-24 years. However, none of these factors were associated with knowledge
and attitude regarding blood donation (18).

7
 2.5 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Socio-demographic factors

• Age

• Marital status

• Residence

• Religion

• Year of study

Barriers

 Fear Extraneous variables

 Misconception Knowledge, attitude&
 lack of  Diseases
practice towards blood  drugs
incentives
donation

Behavioral

• Cultural believes

• Parental or peer opposition

• Education

Figure 1A conceptual framework of knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors of blood donation among
undergraduate non health science students in UoG, northwest Ethiopia, 2024.

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2. OBJECTIVE
2.1 General objective

To assess knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors towards blood donation among
undergraduate non-health science students of University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia, 2024.

2.2. Specific Objectives

1. To assess knowledge on blood donation among undergraduate non-health science students of

University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia, 2024.
2. To assess attitude on blood donation among undergraduate non-health science students of
University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia, 2024.
3. To assess the practice of blood donation among undergraduate non-health science students of
University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia, 2024.
4. To identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice of blood donation among
undergraduate non-health science students of University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia, 2024.

9
3. METHODS AND MATERIALS
3.1 Study design
A cross sectional study design was used to conduct this research.

3.2 Study area and Period

This study was conducted in one randomly selected regular undergraduate non-health science
campus students of University of Gondar namely Tewodros campus.
University of Gondar is one of oldest and leading Universities of Ethiopia which is found in
north west Ethiopia in Amhara region, Gondar city which is around 727 km from Addis Ababa.
it was established in 1954. It has a total of five campus, namely college of Medicine and health
sciences(GC campus), Maraki campus, Atse Tewodros campus, Atse Fasil campus and Teda
campus.
This study was conducted from March 18 /2024 to July 14/ 2024.

3.3 Source population

All regular undergraduate non health science students of University of Gondar were the source
population.
3.4. Study population
All regular undergraduate non health science students who are Remedial year and above of the
Tewodros campus of University of Gondar.

3.5. Inclusion and exclusion criteria

3.5.1 Inclusion criteria
-All regular undergraduate students who were Remedial year and above were included.
3.5.2. Exclusion criteria
–Students who were seriously ill and Students who were not around for different academic
purposes during data collection period were excluded.

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3.6 sample size determination
Sample size was estimated using a single population formula and it was calculated with
the following Assumptions:

- prevalence rate (p) of 50%

- confidence interval (α) of 95% and

- margin of error (d) 5%

n=minimum required sample size
Zα/2 =value under standard normal table for the given value of confidence level=1.96

( Zα /2 )2 × p ( 1 − p )
no = 2
(d )

( 1.96 )2 × 0.5 ( 1− 0.5 )

no = 2 = 384
( 0.05 )

but since the total study population is less than 10,000, using the correction formula and 10%
nonresponse rate……

no
nf =
1+ ( )
no
N

384
nf=
1+ (
384
3,787 )
nf=349

where -nf is corrected sample size

- N is study population

with 10% non -response rate i.e.,349+35=384, Therefore the total sample size is 384.

11
3.7 Sampling methods & procedures
From the total campus in University of Gondar one campus except college of Medicine and
health sciences, was randomly selected by lottery method. And at the time of study Teda campus
students were added to Atse Tewodros campus, they were studied under it. A total number of
regular undergraduate students who were attending their study in that selected campus was
stratified according to their year of study as Remedial, first (2016 batch), first (2015 batch),
third, fourth, fifth and sixth year. After identifying the number of students in respective year of
study, sample size for each stratum was allocated proportionally. Finally, the study participants
was selected by simple random sampling technique from each stratum.

ni=nf x Ni/N

Where N=Total population of students in the campus (3,787)

Ni=Total population in each batch.

ni=Sample to be drawn from each batch.

nf=Total sample size to be drawn from selected campus (384)

12
 All nonhealth science regular undergraduate students of University of Gondar

Atse Tewodros campus Atse Fasil campus

Maraki campus

Remedial 1st Year (2016 1st Year (2015 3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year 6th Year
batch) batch)
(161 out of (34 out of (28 out of (3 out of 30) (8 out of 79)
1584) (55 out of 541) (95 out of 941) 331) 281)

Figure 2 sampling procedure used

13
3.8. Study variables
3.8.1 Dependent variables
Knowledge of blood donation categorized as good knowledge and poor knowledge, attitude of
blood donation categorized as favorable and unfavorable and Practice of blood donation
categorized as ever donated and never donated.

3.8.2. Independent variables

-Age, Sex, Class year, Marital status, Religion, Residence, mother’s education,
Father’s educational status, self-history of blood donation.

3.9 Operational Definitions

Level of knowledge: This is the understanding level of students on the benefits, risks, eligibility
criteria of blood donation and quantified based on the number of knowledge question correctly
answered by the study participants. Participants who was answered average (50%) and above
were categorized as had good knowledge and otherwise categorized as had poor knowledge.

Attitude: Attitude is the intention of participants towards blood donation practice. And was
quantified based on the number of attitude question correctly answered by the study participants.
Participants who was answered average (50%) and above were categorized as had favorable
attitude and otherwise categorized as had unfavorable attitude.

Practice: This denotes whether a particular participant has ever experienced blood donation or
ever.

3.10 Data collection techniques and tools

Data was collected by using a self-administered questionnaire by offline kobotoolbox mobile
application and was collected for about one week by members of the group. An English version
questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was developed based on the objectives and different
literature reviewed(10,17,18,22) and included socio-demographic factors, knowledge, attitude,
and practice.

14
3.11 Data quality control measures.
Questionnaires was checked thoroughly for its completeness, objective, and variable based
before it is distributed to respondents.

Finally, data was checked for consistency and completeness before entry to computer software
for analysis.

3.12 Data processing and analysis

The collected data was checked for its completeness, consistency, and accuracy before analysis.
The data was presented using descriptive (percentage, mean, range, and frequency) and analytic
statistics. A bivariate logistic regression was used to identify candidate variables with P-value of
0.25 for multivariate model and multivariate logistic regressions was applied to identify factors
independently associated with blood donation. The data were entered and analyzed by using
SPSS version 27.00 software.

15
4. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Ethical clearance was obtained from University of Gondar, college of Medicine and Health
science, School of Medicine.

5. DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS
The study was submitted to University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health science,
School of Medicine.

16
6. RESULT
6.1 Socio-demographic Characteristics

The study surveyed 384 graduating-undergraduate non Health Science students with a 100%
response rate, facilitated by a non-sensitive topic regarding blood donation. among the
respondents,231 came from urban area and the participants age ranges from 18-28 years with
mean and standard deviation of 21.22 years and 1.879 respectively. around 219 (57%)
respondents were males. nearly all participants were single 372(96.9%) regarding the religion
92.2% were orthodox, 3.4% Muslim, 4.2% protestant and 0.3%others. with regards to study
participants family educational backgrounds of their fathers and mothers, about 166 (43.2%) and
213 (55.5%) were not attending formal education respectively .from our participants 41.9% of
the students were studying remedial ,14.3% of freshman,24.7%of first year 2015, 8.3% of third
year,7.3% fourth year, 0.8% fifth and 2.1% sixth.

Table 1:Socio demographic characteristics on blood donation among non-health science students of UoG 2024.

Characteristics Category Frequency(%)

Age 18-20 160(41.7)

21-24 197(51.3)

25-28 27(7.0)
Sex Female 165(43)

male 219(57)
Religion Orthodox
354(92.2)
Muslim
13(3.4)
Protestant 16(4.2)

Other (Agnostic) 1(0.3)

Marital status 372 (96.9)

Single

17
 Married 11 (2.9)

Widowed 1 (0.3)

Residency Rural 153(39.8)

Urban 231(60.2)

Year of study Remedial 161(41.9)

Year-1 (2016 batch) 55 (14.3)

Year-1 (2015 batch) 95 (24.7)

Year - 3 34 (8.9)

year - 4 28 (7.3)

year – 5 3 (0.8)

year - 6 8 (2.1)
Father ever attend No 166(43.2)
school
Yes 218(56.8)

Father’s level of Primary 77(35.3)

education
Secondary 55(25.2)

10 (4.6)
Technical/Vocational

76 (34.9)
Higher
(College/University)

Mother ever attend 213(55.5)

No
school
171(44.5)
Yes

Mother’s level of 71 (41.5)

Primary

18
 education
Secondary 41 (24)

Technical/Vocational 6 (3.5)

Higher 53 (31)
(College/University)

6.2. Level of knowledge

Among the total participants in the study, findings revealed that 241 individuals (62.8%) had
good knowledge whereas the remaining 143(37.2%) had poor knowledge about blood donation
.around 369 participants had information about blood donation, 88.1% of them heard from
school/University and About 363(94.5%) respondents had good knowledge about the common
blood group type but only 122(31.8%) knew their own blood groups. Majority of the respondents
265 (69%) had good knowledge on the risk of transmission of infection by transfusion .the risk
of transmission of HIV was confirmed by 260 (98.1%), syphilis 46(17.4%), HBV 42(15.8%),
HCV 26 (9.8%) and malaria 31(11.7). Concerning to the knowledge of illegible groups to donate
blood, majority of the respondents stated 310(80.7%) Diseased, 209(54.4%) Old>60 years, and
227(59.1%) young<18 years.

298(77.6%) ,311(81%) and 80(20.8%) of the study participants did know the volume of blood to
be donated once, duration of a donation process, and minimum weight respectively.

Table 2:knowledge on blood donation among non-health science students of UoG 2024.

Questions Response Frequency(%)

Have you Heard/seen about 369(96.1)

Yes
blood donation?

No 15(3.9)
where did you hear or see Health professionals/facility 141(38.2)
those messages?

19
 Print media (Newspaper, 49(13.3)
leaflet, brusher, billboard)

Electronic media (TV, 130(35.2)

Radio)

School/University 325(88.1)

Friends/ Family, relatives 65(17.6)

Religious worship place 15(4.1)

Do you Know common 363(94.5)

Yes
blood groups?

No 21(5.5)
Do you know your blood 122(31.8)
Yes
group?

No 262(68.2)
What is Your blood group? 37 (30.3)
A+
29 (23.8)
B+
9 (7.4)
AB+

37 (30.3)
O+
3 (2.5)
A-

O- 7 (5.7)
Can a person be infected 265(69.0)
Yes
by receiving blood
No 119 (31.0)

20
transfusion
What disease are HIV 260(98.1)
transmissible by blood
HBV 42(15.8)
transfusion?
HCV 26(9.8)
Syphilis 46(17.4)
Malaria 31(11.7)
Who should not donate Men 5(1.3)
blood?
Women 16(4.1)
Young<18yrs 227(59.1)
Old>60yrs 209(54.4)
Vulnerable groups 84(21.9)
Healthy 4(1.04)
Diseased 310(80.7)
What volume of blood is <500mls 86 (22.4)
collected during each
500-1000mls 81 (21.1)
donation
Don’t know 217 (56.5)
What is the duration of a 20 min 97 (25.3)
donation process?
20-60min 73 (19.0)
don’t know 214 (55.7)
What is the minimum <45 Kg 19 (4.9)
weight limit
>45Kg 231 (60.2)
45Kg 73 (19.0)
Don’t know 61 (15.9)
Overall knowledge Good 241(62.8)
Poor 143(37.2)

21
 6.3. Level of Attitude
From the total respondents,66.9% had a positive or favorable attitude towards voluntary blood
donation .Regarding the source of blood donation about333(86.2%) thought that voluntary
donors were the best sources and 262(68.2%) of them agreed that the patient's relative should be
asked to donate were as about 101 (26.3%) of the participants were not willing to donate if called
upon or reminded to do so.

Table 3:Attitude towards blood donation among non-health science students of UoG 2024.

Question Response Frequency (%)

What do you think is the best voluntary 331(86.2)

source of blood donation?
from relatives 43(11.2)
from paid donor 8(2.1)
other specify… 2(.5)

Can something harmful happen Yes 139(36.2)

to a blood donor during or after
No 213(55.5)
Blood donation?
I don’t know 32(8.3)
Do you think that patient’s Yes 262(68.2)
relative Should be asked to
No 96(25.0)
donate?
I don’t know 26(6.8)
Will you donate if called upon or Yes 283(73.7)
reminded to do so?
No 101(26.3)
Overall attitude Favorable 257(66.9)

unfavorable 127(33.1)

22
6.4 Practice
This study revealed that 107(27.9%) of the participants had ever donated at least once. Among
the donors about 57(53.8%) and 28(26.4%), donated once, twice in their lifetime respectively.
The main reason for blood donation reported was 76(71%) moral satisfaction and sick person
needed 52(48.6% whereas the reasons for not donating were 132(47.7%) fear of blood donation,
50(18.05%) have no information and 67(24.2%) feeling of medically unfit. Majority 320(83.3%)
of the participants had not taken part in any blood donation campaigns

Table 4:Practice of blood donation among non-health science students of UoG 2024.

Questions Response Frequency (%)

Have you ever donated Yes 107 (27.9)

blood before?

277 (72.1)
No

How many times do you Once 57(53.8)

donate?
Twice 28 (26.4)

More than two times 21 (19.8)

what prompted you? A sick person needed 52(48.6)

Moral satisfaction, altruism 76(71.03)

Earning profit in cash / kind 1(0.9)

23
 For free health checkup 10(9.3)

Motivated by friend /family 14(13.08)

donor

Media appeal 3(2.8)

What was the reason for not I have no information 50(18.05)

donating Fear of blood donation 132(47.7)

Medically unfit 67(24.2)

Under age 33(11.2)

Cultural or religious rejection 6(2.2)

Lack of time 7(2.5)

It takes long time 3(1.08)

Inaccessibility of the service 3(1.08)

Never thought of it 8(2.9)

Parental or peer opposition 9(3.2)

Never had the opportunity 9(3.2)

My blood will be sold 6(2.2)

Have you taken part in blood Yes 64 (16.7)

donation campaigns?

No 320(83.3)

Overall practice Ever donated 107(27.9)

Never donated 277 (72.1)

24
 6.5. Associated factors
6.5.1. Factors associated with knowledge towards voluntary blood donation
To identify the association between the knowledge towards voluntary blood donation and
predictive variables, bi variate logistic regression analysis was first done for all independent
variables. The candidate variables identified for multivariate logistic regression analysis were
seven variables, namely: age25-28[COR=8.119(1. 858-35.479), p=0.005], sex[COR=0.510(0.
332-0.785), p=0.002], year of study one [COR=0.478(0. 257-0.890), p=0.020], residency
[COR=0.076(0. 015-0.384), p=0.002], history of blood donation [COR=0.076(0. 015-0.384),
p=0.002] , mother attending formal education [COR=1.485(0. 974-2.262), p=0.066] and father
attending formal education [COR=1.660(1.093-2.521), p=0.018] those candidate variables
identified for multivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into SPSS version 27 using
the backward method.In the multivariate logistic regression analysis age and sex were
significantly associated with knowledge towards voluntary blood donation at p-value <0.05. age
25- 28 were 13.5 times [AOR=13.5(2.706-67.797), p=0.002] more knowledgeable about blood
donation than those age 18- 20 participants and being males were 0.519 times [AOR, 95%CI:
0.519(0.319-0.845), p=0.008] knowledgeable than females about blood donation or males were
48% less knowledgeable about blood donation than females .while Year of study , residency And
self history of blood donation showed no statistically significant association with level of
knowledge after controlling for the effects of potentially confounding variables using
multivariate logistic regression,

Table 5:Bivariate analysis of factors associated with knowledge towards voluntary blood donation, UoG 2024.

Characteristic Category Overall COR(95%CI) AOR(95%CI) P-

knowledge value
Good Poor
Age 18-20 97 63 1 1 0.007
21-24 119 78 0.991(0.647,1.518) 1.228(0.745,2.024) 0.422

25-28 25 2 8.119(1.858,35.479) 13.545(2.706, 0.002

67.797)

25
Sex Female 118 47 1 1 _
Male 123 96 0.510(0.332,0.785) 0.519(.319, 0.845) 0.008

Residency Rural 86 67 1 1 _
Urban 155 76 1.589(1.043,2.421) 1.289(0.773,2.149) 0.330

Year of study Remedial 105 56 1 1 0.446

Year-1 (2016 26 29 0.478(0.257, 0.543(0.284, 1.042) 0.066
batch)
0.890)

Year-1 (2015 62 33 1.002(0.588, 1.707) 1.070(0.601, 1.907) 0.818

batch)
Year - 3 24 10 1.280(0.572, 2.865) 0.930(0.385, 2.242) 0.871

year - 4 17 11 0.824(0.361, 1.881) 0.619(0.243, 1.580) 0.316

year – 5 2 1 1.067(0.095,12.023) 0.742(0.061, 8.959) 0.814

year - 6 5 3 0.889(.205, 3.857) 0.379(0.063,2.283) 0.290

Father ever No 93 73 1 1 _
attend school
Yes 148 70 1.660(1.093,2.521) 1.387(0.769, 2.500) 0.277

Mother ever No 125 88 1 1 _

attend school
Yes 116 55 1.485(0.974,2.262) 0.985(0.532, 1.826) 0.962

History of Never 166 111 1 1 _

blood donation Donated

Ever donated 75 32 1.567(0.971,2.529) 1.346(0.806, 2.246) 0.256

26
 6.5.2. Factors associated with attitude towards voluntary blood donation
To identify the association between the attitude towards voluntary blood donation and predictive
variables, bi variate logistic regression analysis was first done for all independent variables.
From those candidate variables that identified for multivariate logistic regression analysis were
age21-24(COR=0.598, 95%CI: (0.380-0.940), p= 0.026), year of study attending (4)
(COR=0.379, 95%CI: (0.168-0.857), p= 0.020) and self-history of blood donation(COR2.539,
95%CI: (1.487-4.335), p<0.001. those variables were entered into SPSS version 27 using the
backward method, among them self-history of blood donation and age 21-24 were found to be
statistically significant predictors of level of attitude. those who had self-history of blood
donation were 2.3 times (AOR=2.257, 95%CI: (1.601-4.825), p< 0.001]more favorable attitude
than never donated and those age 21-24 were 0.6 times( AOR% =0.597(0.364-0.979) P= 0.041)
favorable attitude than age of 18-20 or age of 21-24 were 40% less favorable attitude than those
age of 18-20 where as year of study had no statistically significant association with the level of
attitude towards voluntary blood donation ( AOR=0.862, 95%CI: (0.533-1.395), p= 0.545],

Table 6:Bivariable analysis of factors associated with attitude towards voluntary blood donation UoG 2024.

characteris category Overall attitude COR,95%CI AOR,95%CI P-value

tics
Favorabl Unfavora
e ble

Age 18-20 117 43 1 1 0.122

21-24 122 75 0.598(0.380,0.940) 0.597(0.364, 0.979) 0.041

25-28 18 9 0.735(0.307,1.760) 0.647(0.248,1.686) 0.373

Year of Remedial 112 49 1 1 0.798

study
Year-1 (2016 38 17 0.978(0.504,1.898) 1.083(0.550,2.131) 0.817
batch)

27
 Year-1 (2015 62 33 0.822(.479,1.410) 0.902(0.512,1.588) 0.721
batch)

Year - 3 22 12 0.802(0.368,1.749) 0.884(0.387,2.020) 0.770

year - 4 13 15 0.379(0.168,0.857) 0.484(0.203,1.153) 0.101

year – 5 2 1 0.875(0.078,9.878) 0.638(.055, 7.423) 0.720

year - 6 8 0 706770243.747( .00 937606549.933(.000,.) 0.999

0 .)

History of Never donated 171 106 1 1 _

blood
donation
Ever donated 86 21 2.539(1.487,4.335) 2.779(1.601,4.825) <0.001

6.5.3. Factors associated with practice of voluntary blood donation population

The study aimed to determine independent predictors influencing voluntary blood donation
through bi variate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Initially, bi variate analysis
identified several candidate variables for multivariate regressions namely age21-24(COR=1.392
(0.986-2.223),year of study one( COR=0.504(0.228-1.115) P=0.091, year of study
three( COR=1.596(0.737-3.455)P=0.236 ,year of study fifth( COR=5.156(0.456-
58.270)P=0.185, marital status married( COR=0.251(0.032-1.985)P=0.190),
residence( COR=1.714(1.067-2.754)P=0.026,,knowledge( COR=1.567(0.971-
2.529)P=0.066),attitude( COR=2.539(1.487-4.335)P=0.001), father attending
education( COR=1.955(1.221-3.128)P=0.005), and mother attending education
( COR=2.365(1.499-3.731)P=0.000,those variables were entered in multivariate regression
using the backward method in SPSS version 27 confirming attitude and mother ever attended
education were significant associations with practice of blood donation . interpreted as those who
had favorable attitude about blood donation were 2.8 times (AOR=2.800, 95% CI: 1.590-4.932,
p<0.000) more likely practice as compere to unfavorable attitude about blood donation and

28
 those participants whose mother attending formal education were 2.2 times(AOR=2.188, 95%
CI: 1.117-4.288, p=0.022) more practice than participants whose mother had not attending
formal education.where as the rest had no significant association with practice of blood donation
means even though knowledge of blood donation was around 62.8% there was no significant
association with practice of blood donation

Table 7:Bivariable analysis of factors associated with practice of voluntary blood donation UoG 2024.

characteri category Overall practice COR(95%CI) AOR(95%CI) p-value

stics
Ever Never
donated donated
Age 18-20 39 121 1 1 0.177
21-24 61 136 1.392(0.869,2.228) 1.679(0.971,2.902) 0.064

25-28 7 20 1.086(0.427,2.761) 1.327(0.457,3.851) 0.603

Year of Remedial 45 116 1 1 0.410
study
Year-1 (2016 9 46 0.504(0.228,1.115) 0.442(0.192,1.019) 0.055
batch)

Year-1 (2015 29 66 1.133(0.650,1.975) 0.952(0.519,1.745) 0.874

batch)

Year - 3 13 21 1.596(0.737,3.455) 1.266(0.531,3.019) 0.595

year - 4 7 21 0.859(0.342,2.161 0.670(0.239,1.873) 0.445

year – 5 2 1 5.156(0.456,58.270) 3.182(0.223,45.419) 0.393

year - 6 2 6 0.859(0.167,4.416) 0.655(0.107,4.020) 0.648

Marital Single 106 266 1 1 0.449

status
Married 1 10 0.251(0.032,1.985) 0.250(0.029,2.140) 0.205
Widowed 0 1 .000 .000 1.000

29
Residenc Rural 33 120 1 1 _
y
Urban 74 157 1.714(1.067,2.754) 1.185(0.670,2.098) 0.560
Father No 34 132 1 1 _
ever
attend Yes 73 145 1.955(1.221,3.128) 1.066(0.546,2.080) 0.852
school

Mother No 43 170 1 1 _
ever
Yes 64 107 2.365(1.499,3.731) 2.188(1.117,4.288) 0.022
attend
school

knowledg Poor 32 111 1 1 _

e

Good 75 166 1.567(0.971,2.529) 1.345(0.803,2.252) 0.260

Attitude Unfavorable 21 106 1 1 _

Favorable 86 171 2.539(1.487,4.335) 2.800(1.590,4.932) <0.001

30
7. DISCUSSION
In this study, 62.8% of respondents had good knowledge towards blood donation. This finding is
lower than a study conducted in Iraq (medical students), Malaysia & AAU health science
Students where 73%, 97. 1%, 83.7% of the respondents had good knowledge towards blood
donation respectively (11,12,16,17). This difference could be from the fact that most of the
studies in other places were conducted among medical and health science students. In contrary
the level of knowledge of this study was higher Than the study conducted in Gondar university
Health science students where 48.2% of the respondents had good knowledge (17). This could be
due to increased study participants and easily accessibility of blood banks in the current study.

Only 22.4% the study participants knew the volume of blood to be donated once while 79,2%
knew minimum weight allowed. This was lower than the study done in Addis Ababa University
Health Science students which was 91.4% and 90.4% respectively (16). The minimum weight
allowed was still lower than the study done in Udaipur city of Rajasthan where 84.66% of the
respondents had knowledge on the minimum weight (14). The explanation for this may be
because the other studies were conducted in health science students.
43.6% and20.8% of the study participants did not know the maximum age and the minimum
weight to be eligible for blood donation this higher than the study of Gondar health students,
234(91.8%) and 188(73.7%) of the study participants did not know the maximum age and the
minimum weight to be eligible for blood donation,

In our study about 66.9% respondents had good attitude towards blood donation. This study was
almost similar with the study conducted in Iraq and Addis Ababa University which were about
68.7% (13,14) and 68% respectively. lower than previous studies conducted Malaysia and
Gondar which were 88.8% and79.2% respectively(,18,16)

do so. In were 57.8% ,68.7% ). A study done in Addis Ababa University all of them were
willing to donate in the future if called upon or reminded to

this study, however, about 26.3% of the participants were not willing (16).The explanation could

be lack of knowledge about blood donation and socio demographic differences.

31
In the current study 27.9% of the respondents had ever donated blood at least

once. This was almost similar with studies done in Malaysia (29.7%) and Namibia (28%).This
was higher than the studies conducted in Nepal(23.4%) Addis Ababa University

health science students (23.4%) (13,16) ,Iraq (13%) (11) and Udaipur city of Rajasthan (14%)
(14) and lower than the studies conducted in India (47.5%), and Nigeria (35.4%) (19,12,20,21).
Such

differences in blood donation practice could be attributed to socio-cultural factors, differences in

knowledge, lack of awareness creation and campaigns by NBBS and misconception/ fear about
blood donation. Concerning what motivates them for blood donation, 71% were motivated by

moral duty. This was almost similar to the study conducted in health science students of Addis
Ababa

University which was about 74% (16). Regarding to the reasons for not donating were; Fear of
blood donation (47.6%) which was higher than Iraq, Malesia and Nigeria 8.8%, 21.5% and 9.5%
respectively and lower than Addis Ababa which was 56% while Never thought of it (2.8%), no
information(18%) , medically unfit(24.2%) and under age (11.9%) about blood donation (18%).
similar with Iraq, Nigeria and Gondar . This was disagreed with studies done in
Nepal ,Iraq, ,Nigeria and Addis Ababa University( 13, 11, 19, 14, 20, 21,16).

In the multivariate logistic regression analysis age 25- 28[AOR=13.5(2.706-67.797), p=0.002]

were significantly associated with knowledge towards voluntary blood donation which were
the same as study conducted among health science students of Addis Ababa University showed
that Age≥25, found to be significant predictors of level of knowledge and sex [AOR, 95%CI:
0.519(0.319-0.845), p=0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge towards voluntary
blood donation which were the same as study conducted among a comparative study conducted
in ASTU and Arsi University Non-Health Science and Health Science students respectively
showed that gender of the students was found as the significant predictor. Accordingly, female
Health Science students were 3.2 times more knowledgeable than male. This is opposed the
study conducted medical college in Karachi, Pakistan showed that male gender was more
associated with knowledge on blood donation when compared to female gender(21) and sex
didn’t showed any significance of knowledge among study conducted adis Ababa (17).

32
While Year of study ,family educational status And self-history of blood donation showed no
statistically significant association with level of knowledge in this study(17) This may be
explained due to lower sample size in this study.

self-history of blood donation (AOR=2.257, 95%CI: (1.601-4.825), p< 0.001] was found to be
statistically significant predictors of level of attitude ,meaning those who had self-history of
blood donation were 2.3 times more favorable attitude than never donated where as Having
good knowledge about blood donation no significantly associated with attitude towards
voluntary blood donation ( AOR=0.862, 95%CI: (0.533-1.395), p= 0.545] this was opposed to
the study done in Ambo university good knowledge were 2.16 times [AOR, (95% CI), 2.16(1.4,
3.35) more likely had positive attitude as compared
to less knowledge towards voluntary blood donation (24).. This study also revealed

gender was not associated with increased level of attitude which was similar with study

conducted in Iran (23) and in disagreement with a study conducted in health science student of
Addis Ababa University were being male increases the odds of level of attitude. The study
conducted among health science students of Addis Ababa University

showed that Year of study, age and department didn’t have significant association during
multivariate analysis which was the same as our study (1.4, 3.6)](17).
those who had favorable attitude about blood donation were 2.8 times (AOR=2.800, 95% CI:
1.590-4.932, p<0.000) more likely practice as compere to unfavorable attitude blood donation
and those participants whose mother attending formal education were 2.2 times (AOR=2.188,
95% CI: 1.117-4.288, p=0.022) more practice than participants whose mother had not attending
formal education. Whereas those who had knowledge about blood donation was no significant
association with practice of blood donation. this was the same as study conducted among
University Students in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania showed that knowledge was not significantly
associated with blood donation practices (16,10).
health science students of Addis Ababa University and A Study conducted in University of
Gondar on graduating undergraduate health science students showed that a age >25 was
statistically significant association with donation practices and study conducted in Nepal and
Addis Ababa being male increased odds of practice but sex and age of our participants were not
significantly associated with blood donation practice

33
8. CONCLUSION
Significant numbers of students in this study have good knowledge and favorable attitude
about blood donation however practice of blood donation was poor. Only age and sex were
significantly associated with level of knowledge towards voluntary blood donation .age 21-24
and self-history of blood donation were associated with the level of attitude. From our
independent variables only mother attending formal education and favorable attitude about
blood donation were statistically significant associated with practice of voluntary blood
donation. The majority of blood donors were motivated for moral satisfaction and to save the
life patient while Fear of blood donation, medically unfit and lack of information were
mentioned as reasons for not donating blood.

9. STRENGTH AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

9.1 Strength of the study ➢Study participants were selected using stratified sampling. This
makes the study more representatives by giving each stratum a proportional allocation. ➢
completeness of questionnaires

9.2 Limitation of the study ➢ The cross-sectional nature of study limits the study to show
causal association. ➢ Since the study is institution -based, it may not give us the clear picture of
community status of blood donation. ➢ Financial constraints

10. RECOMMENDATIONS
❖ Ethiopian Red Cross society should work in collaboration with University of Gondar and
other stakeholders to improve the low level of blood donors among non-health science students.
❖ National Blood Bank Service & University of Gondar should work jointly in strengthening
awareness creation &organizing blood donation campaigns. ❖ The University should encourage
clubs to increase the number of students taking part in blood donation campaigns as part of
organizing or campaign member. ❖ The university should organize different events to increase
students’ level of knowledge and the number of blood donors. ❖ Further studies need to be
conducted on this matter to identify more gaps especially in a community-based setting with
mixed methods.

34
11. REFERENCES
1. World Health Organization, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
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7. Blood safety and availability [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2019 Nov 2]. Available from:
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9. Ethiopia_update-sheet-on-blood-safety_2014_final.pdf [Internet]. [cited 2019 Nov 23]. Available

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bloodsafety_2014_final.pdf

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University, Ethiopia. Health Sci J [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2019 Nov 10];12(1). Available from:36
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