Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Categorisation of Blood Donors in Zaria, North-Western Nigeria

Background: Blood donors are similar worldwide, with little variation among the three types of donors: voluntary blood donors, family replacement blood donors, and commercial blood donors. The characteristics of the donors ensure the safety of the blood to the recipients. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the socio-demographic characteristics and categories of blood donors at ABU Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State. Materials and Methods: A proforma was used to collect the socio-demographics and the type of blood donation from the blood donors after obtaining informed consent. Results: A total of 1022 blood donors were studied with a mean age of 31 years. The majority of donors were males (89.0%), most of whom were students (41.9%) and single (51.4%). The family replacement blood donors were the majority (90.0%), followed by voluntary blood donors (8.4%), and the least were the commercial blood donors (1.6%). Conclusion: Blood donation is predominantly from male students, with family members being the most common source of blood. Therefore, there is a need for public education in schools, places of worship, and the mass media, especially during World Blood Donor Day celebrations, to inform the public about the benefits of voluntary blood donation.