Factors affecting voluntary blood donation among students at Makerere College School, Kampala district

Abstract

Voluntary blood donation is crucial for maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply; however, participation among young people remains limited. This study examined the factors influencing voluntary blood donation among secondary school students in Kampala District, Uganda. Specifically, it assessed the role of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, cultural and peer influences, and perceived barriers in shaping donation behaviour and willingness. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from 67 senior four students through self-administered questionnaires. Data were entered into SPSS version 25 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and logistic regression. A knowledge index was constructed to capture understanding of eligibility and safety. Interaction effects were explored descriptively due to limitations in sample size. The findings revealed that socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, residence, and income were not significantly associated with donation outcomes. In contrast, correct knowledge of eligibility criteria and rejection of misconceptions were significantly associated with willingness to donate. Peer encouragement emerged as the strongest predictor, with students who were encouraged by their peers being far more likely to express a willingness. Common barriers included fear of weakness and needles, though these were not decisive predictors of willingness. The study concludes that knowledge and peer influence are the key determinants of willingness to donate blood among adolescents, while socio-demographic factors are less influential. Recommendations include strengthening school-based education, leveraging peer networks, addressing psychological fears, and engaging parents to enhance adolescent participation. Social work practice has an important role to play in mobilising youth, addressing myths, and advocating for supportive environments that translate willingness into sustained blood donation