ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY ON BLOOD DONATION PRACTICES IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE

Introduction: Voluntary blood donation is a critical component of public health systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries where blood shortages remain a major challenge. This study assessed the awareness, attitudes, practices, and factors influencing voluntary blood donation among residents of Ilorin West Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adult residents of Ilorin West LGA using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to blood donation. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations between variables at a 5% level of significance. Results: Most of the respondents (72.5%) had heard about blood donation, with school (44.8%) being the most common source of information. Approximately 75.3% demonstrated good knowledge of blood donation, while 24.8% had poor knowledge. Although 58.4% of respondents expressed a positive attitude toward blood donation, only 26.3% had ever donated blood. Among previous donors, 58.1% had donated only once, and 41.0% last donated more than two years ago. Major barriers to blood donation included lack of awareness about donation centers (32.5%), health concerns (26.4%), and fear of needles (13.2%). Willingness to donate regularly remained low, with only 27.5% expressing readiness to do so if donation centers were more accessible. Statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between knowledge and variables such as age, tribe, religion, marital status, household size, educational level, occupation, and income. Conclusion: Although awareness and attitudes toward blood donation were relatively favorable among residents of Ilorin West LGA, actual donation practices remain low. Targeted educational interventions, improved accessibility to donation centers, and community-based sensitization campaigns are essential to address existing barriers and promote regular voluntary blood donation.