# Blood donation practice and predictors among university and college students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that only about a quarter of Ethiopian university and college students donate blood, with age, knowledge, and attitude being key factors.

## Contribution

The study provides a pooled estimate of blood donation practice and identifies specific predictors among Ethiopian students.

## Key findings

- The pooled estimate of blood donation practice among students was 26%.
- Age, faculty, knowledge, and attitude were significant predictors of blood donation.
- Only a quarter of students donated blood, indicating inadequate practice.

## Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled blood donation practice and its predictors among university and college students in Ethiopia.

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Multiple databases and search engines, such as PubMed, African Journals Online, Hinari, Google Scholar, and repositories, were searched using search terms created by combining Medical Subject Heading words and phrases for each database. A total of 1306 articles were found, and after removing duplicates and other irrelevant articles, 22 articles were included. Relevant data were extracted using a standardized Excel template and analyzed using STATA 17 software. The prevalence of blood donation practice and its predictors were pooled using a random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was identified using the Galbraith plot, I2, and Q statistic and handled by subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot and Egger's test.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 studies that included 9048 students revealed that the pooled estimate of blood donation practice was 26 % (CI: 22, 31). Age of students (POR = 3.22; CI: 1.83, 5.68), faculty (POR = 2.44; CI: 1.74, 3.41), knowledge (POR = 2.89; CI: 1.89, 4.41), and attitude (POR = 1.93; CI: 1.43, 2.62) were found to have a significant association with blood donation practice.

The pooled estimate of blood donation practice indicated that only a quarter of university and college students donated blood, which is limited. Therefore, Ethiopian Ministry of Health, regional health bureaus, blood banks, the universities and colleges, the students’ council, and other stakeholders shall pay due attention to blood donation.

•Blood donation practice of Ethiopian students is inadequate.•The pooled estimate shows only a quarter of students donated blood (26 %, CI: 22, 31).•Age, health faculty, Knowledge and attitude toward blood donation were positive predictors of blood donation.

Blood donation practice of Ethiopian students is inadequate.

The pooled estimate shows only a quarter of students donated blood (26 %, CI: 22, 31).

Age, health faculty, Knowledge and attitude toward blood donation were positive predictors of blood donation.