High prevalence of blood donor test-seeking behavior among health sciences undergraduate students

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Miriane Lucindo Zucoloto, Edson Zangiacomi Martinez
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2020
• Subjects: Blood donation; Test-seeking behavior; HIV; Students; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0476-2019; https://doaj.org/article/3a84dc3f824241b5843fb2673112accd

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study investigated the prevalence of blood donors’ test-seeking behavior and related factors among health sciences undergraduate students. METHODS A total of 750 students were invited. Data regarding sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, blood donation practices, and test-seeking behavior were collected. RESULTS: Of the invited students, 341 (45.5%) agreed to participate and answered questions regarding test-seeking behavior. The sample comprised 83.1% females, 96.8% singles, 87.2% heterosexuals, and 32.6% of them had previously donated blood. A high prevalence of blood donor test-seeking behavior (14.4%; 95% CI: 10.8%-18.5%) was observed and associated with blood donation practices. CONCLUSIONS: Test-seeking behavior was common among the interviewed students, thereby highlighting the importance of developing a better understanding of its determinants to prevent this behavior in key populations.