ArticleTransfusion medicine (Oxford, England)2025
Exploring barriers and facilitators to blood donation in secondary schools in Malawi.
Article in Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Quality improvement project for minimising red blood cell unit wastage at a secondary referral hospital in Malawi.BMJ open quality · 2026Article
- Preventing overfilling of blood bags to reduce clot formation and improve donor safety.Vox sanguinis · 2026Article
- Exploring barriers and facilitators to blood donation in secondary schools in Malawi.Transfusion medicine (Oxford, England) · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
11 authors.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND
objectiveDespite the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) increasing the amount of blood collected since its inception in 2004, Malawi remains with a 27% deficit in required blood supplies nationally. We sought to understand the facilitators and barriers to blood donation among secondary school students in Malawi.
methodsWe utilised a qualitative exploratory design, with a sample of 135 participants purposefully selected from 16 secondary schools across Malawi. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews with 20 participants (inclusive of first-time and repeat donors, lapsed and non-donors), 20 key informant interviews (including community leaders, policy-level stakeholders and MBTS staff), and 16 focus group discussions involving 95 participants (community stakeholders and all donor categories). We used the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) to assess barriers and facilitators of blood donation, focusing only on four CFIR domains: internal and external factors; the implementation process and individual characteristics influencing blood donation.
resultsBlood donation among students are facilitated by altruism, incentives including milestone awards, knowledge, motivation, transport, peer pressure and individual health status. Common barriers cited included: negative experiences with the blood donation process, fear, unsupported environment, poor incentives, privacy issues and the donation activities starting late than scheduled.
conclusionWhile there have been efforts to motivate students to donate blood, significant barriers to blood donation still exist. Intensifying education and awareness campaigns may help dispel misconceptions and fears surrounding donation experiences and blood usage. Also, continuing with the provision of appropriate incentives including milestone awards may also encourage students.
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