Barriers and drivers of voluntary blood donation in Katavi and Kilimanjaro regions: a comparative cross-sectional study of two regions with high and moderate blood collection rates in Tanzania

Abstract

n Tanzania, blood donation does not meet the national requirement. This was an explanatory sequential mixed-method study design. The quantitative component involved a questionnaire survey to explore respondents’ KAPS on voluntary blood donation and a review of blood donation data from (NTBS). The qualitative component involved four FGDs with registered voluntary blood and healthcare providers from the NTBS. Out of two hundred and fifty-three (253) surveyed participants, 47% (n=120) never donated due to various reasons. Thirty-nine (39) respondents from Kilimanjaro (33%) and 33 from Katavi (27%) respectively did not donate because they were not sensitized and consulted to donate. One of the reasons was a lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of donation centers. Twenty-three (23) respondents from Kilimanjaro (19%) and twelve (12) from Katavi (10%) respectively cited the same reason. Four respondents (4% n=4) and two (1.6%) in Kilimanjaro and Katavi respectively did not donate because the donation center was very far from their residence. Other reasons were religious and cultural reasons and fear of losing sex libido. Fifty-three 53% of all respondents, (n=133) from both regions have ever donated in their lives. In Kilimanjaro, eighteen percent (18% n=24) of respondents donated because a close family member needed it while in Katavi eight percent (8% n=11) donated because of that reason. In Kilimanjaro, eleven percent (11% n=14) donated because their best friend needed it to survive; in Katavi, eleven percent (11% n=15) donated because of that reason. In Kilimanjaro, ten percent (10% n=13) donate because they were sensitized likewise in Katavi ten percent (10% n=13) donated because of that reason. In Kilimanjaro, only, eight percent (8% n=10) just volunteered while in Katavi 25% (n=33) just volunteered. The qualitative part of the study has shown that NBTS officials from Katavi had more creative strategies to improve voluntary blood donation. The prevalence of blood donation was less than satisfactory in the study areas because of misconceptions, poor knowledge, and unfavorable attitude toward blood donation. Utilizing media such as radios and televisions may improve the reach of educational programs, advocacy, and sensitization and encourage more people to donate blood. Blood Transfusion, blood donation, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, voluntary blood donation, Kilimanjaro, Katavi, Tanzania.