The Pros and Cons of Student Blood Donation

 

Image credit: Pinterest 

By Halimat Sunmonu 

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon at the school football pitch, a crowd had gathered at the pitch to where a blood drive programme was underway. Seated at a corner is Chisom, a 400 level student of the Chemistry department stood with a crossed look, sweaty palms twisting the strap of her bag out of nervousness. She moved towards Bolanle and asked, "Will it hurt”? “It's not the pain that matters, but the life you might save,” he replied. The health officials sat under a shade in the pitch, checking body details to determine the students fit to donate blood. They also tried to sooth the anxious first timers like Chisom. The blood drive happens occasionally, and behind every donation is a courageous person who truly cares. 

Students donate blood for numerous reasons: some donate because they once watched a relative or friend in a state of emergency, some others donate because they know it just simply helps another person live. Whichever reason fuels a blood donation exercise, it gives another a chance to live. Speaking with Akintayo Ayomide, a 500 level student of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, he noted that  

 “I donate blood in order to help other people in need of blood.” From Ayomide’s perspective, it is a question of help. From some others, they donate to make a lasting impact before graduation. 

The Pros of Blood Donation 

Blood donation saves lives and young donors are heavily relied upon, because they are said to be healthier and donate more consistently. Accident victims, sickle cell patients, patients undergoing surgery all need blood. Sometimes the person who benefits is a fellow student.During Blood drive, students get to enjoy free medical check ups like Blood group test, Blood Pressure check, weight check, height check and others. These checks help reveal health status and underlying issues early and it helps the students understand their bodies better. Specifically, blood donation creates a sense of purpose for students as they leave the donation hall lighter. According to Tolani,

“It feels good knowing that I've helped save someone's life.” To her, this feeling helps boost emotional well-being.  

The Cons of Blood Donation 

Blood donation definitely comes with its challenges, a typical example include: the fear of needles, pain and the unknown. Many students are scared of needles and for first timers, the fear is worse than the needle itself. Possibly, this fear may deter many from ever trying. Furthermore, after donation, some students feel light-headed and weak. This is usually short-lived, but considering the student's schedule is filled with classes, practicals and tests, the pain is inconvenient. 

Some students have medical restrictions due to their health status. This may include students with low body weight, recent illness, medications are turned away. This rejection may be discouraging, especially to first timers who may not understand that it is for their safety. During Blood drive, organization may be a challenge. Examples of these challenges are long queues, poor ventilation, slow response rate, and disorganised donation setups. These may discourage participation of students. 

Myths and Misinformation play a role in discouraging students from donation. Myths like “Donating blood weakens you personally”, “the blood is sold”, “women shouldn't donate blood.” These myths instill fear in students and hinders them from donating. Addressing the myths requires proper education through education, trust and conversations. 

Parting Words

Given the long history of blood donation across the globe, it might be quite difficult to place an estimation on the number of persons whose lives were saved as a result of blood donation. Even when the myths surrounding blood donation increase everyday, more people are coming to terms with the work of saving lives by donating blood. Bringing it closer to home, blood donation on campus is a courageous act, it is young people stepping forward, not because they must, but because they can.