Knowledge and Attitude about Blood Donation Amongst Undergraduate Students of Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University of Central India

Abstract

Background:The major part of demand for blood in India is met through voluntary blood donations. Students consists a large and healthy group who are able to provide a large number of blood donation. However, there is a paucity of studies on knowledge and attitude among undergraduate students from medical and paramedical branches. Objectives: A present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude about blood donation among undergraduate medical science university students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 final year undergraduate students from medical, dental, nursing, and physiotherapy disciplines in a Pravara institute of Medical Sciences University campus of central India during the period of May-August 2011. Data was analyzed in the form of percentage and proportions and Chi-square test. Results: The overall knowledge on blood donation was good; however, majority (52.5%) of students never donated blood. Knowledge level was found highest among medical students (53.1%) and lowest among physiotherapy students (20.7%). Non-consideration, forgetfulness, and lack of time were the major reasons for not donating blood. A significant association was observed between different streams of students and levels of knowledge and attitude about blood donation. Conclusion: This study elicits the importance of adopting effective measures in our campus to motivate about voluntary blood donation among students.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of blood donation among college students in Puducherry

“…Another study conducted by Uma [11] in Chennai showed that 47.2% donated blood for the first time to their friends/relatives which was similar to the findings of the study done by Sojka and Sojka [14] Another cross-sectional study conducted in Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences revealed that 90.5% showed positive attitude toward blood donation. [15] Similar finding was observed in the study by Ahmed et al among medical students in Karachi. [16] It was found in our study that 39.7% of students were willing to become regular donors, 41.9% students accepted that blood can be donated for every 6 months, 5.2% of students accepted that blood can be donated for every 4 months.…”

Knowledge, misconceptions and motivations towards blood donation among university students in Saudi Arabia

“…4 - 6 , 8 , 9 In contrast to our finding several studies have shown higher level of knowledge and more positive attitude regarding blood donation among University students. 11 - 13 A recent survey among Jordanian University students found poor knowledge of the students regarding blood donation. 14 Giri & Phalke, (2012) 11 found overall good knowledge in the respondents, but that survey was carried out in the institute of Medical Sciences that could be one of the reasons of students better knowledge.…”

“…11 - 13 A recent survey among Jordanian University students found poor knowledge of the students regarding blood donation. 14 Giri & Phalke, (2012) 11 found overall good knowledge in the respondents, but that survey was carried out in the institute of Medical Sciences that could be one of the reasons of students better knowledge. Safizadeh et al, (2007) 15 in Iran found that awareness was not good regarding blood donation while a study in Pakistan reported that respondents don’t have good knowledge and awareness.…”

Knowledge about Blood Donation among Undergraduate Students of GMC, Patiala, Punjab, India

“…[21] The study showed that most of participants (88.9%) had never donated blood so far, which is almost comparable with studies among health professional students by Manikandan et al [15] (89.25%), Sunetra Sarma et al [24] (92%), and Desai et al [16] (78.7%). But it was different among students in studies conducted by Kowsalya et al [26] (62.6%), Giri et al [14] (52.5%), and Nwogen et al [27] (22%). Because of background of knowledge, medical students generally have positive attitude towards voluntary blood donation and they may be easily motivated towards blood donation.…”

“…[13] Similarly, majority 92% of the students were aware of suitable age for blood donation in a study done by Giri and Phalke. [14] Approximately 72% of the respondents had knowledge about minimum heamoglobin levels required for blood donation. In our study, 70.5% students had the correct knowledge regarding minimum interval of blood donation which was somewhat similar with the study of Agarvat Amit et al [17] (80%).…”