Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward Blood Donation among Undergraduate Medical Students of UPUMS, Saifai

Abstract

Background: Blood saves millions of life. It cannot be manufactured artificially. Young people are the hope and future of a safe blood supply in the world. So this study was conducted to know the knowledge, awareness and practices among medical students regarding blood donation. Aim & Objective: To study the level of knowledge, attitude and practices about blood donation among undergraduate medical students. To educate the students about blood donation. Settings and Design: The present study was carried out among MBBS students of UPUMS, Saifai. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 452 medical college students. Methods and Material: A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting the necessary information after getting informed consent. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics was used to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Chi square test was applied to examine the association between knowledge level and other independent variables. Results: A questionnaire based survey among 452 medical students (59.5% males & 40.4% females) regarding blood donation revealed that majority knew about age and weight criteria (57.3% & 67.9% respectively). Of all 93% were willing to donate, while 36% had donated previously; out of which 52.7% had donated more than once. There is significant association between blood donation practice with academic year and gender. Conclusions: The study concludes that many of the students did not have adequate knowledge on blood donation but they have positive attitude towards blood donation. There is a need for education and motivation regarding blood donation through regular CMEs, seminars and campaigns

Critical appraisal of knowledge, attitude and practice studies for blood donation in India

“…1. Eligibility criteria for blood donation (age, weight, BP, lab tests, medication, physiological or disease condition, previous donation, smoking, alcohol, gender related issues) 27 7,9,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] 2. Disease caused through blood transfusion 19 7,[12][13][14][16][17][18][20][21][22]26,27,29,30,[32][33][34][35]37 3.…”

“…Fear of needle/infection/loss of fertility/anaemia/weakness/side effects/immunity 30 [33][34][35][36][37] 2. Never asked 23 7,8,[10][11][12][13][14][15][17][18][19][22][23][24][26][27][28][29][30][34][35][36][37] 3. Lack of awareness about blood donation 15 [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]15,18,20,23,29,[35][36][37] 4.…”

“…Lack of awareness about blood donation 15 [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]15,18,20,23,29,[35][36][37] 4. Unfit (due to underlying disease condition/medications) 15 7,9,10,12,16,[19][20][21]23,26,[28][29][30][31]34 5. Parental/family support 11 7,8,11,12,17,18,22,23,26,27,29 6.…”

“…Never thought of donating blood 5 7,14,28,29,37 9. Rejected as donors 5 12,19,23,24,29 10. No specific reason 5 14,[18][19][20]37 11.…”

“…Rejected as donors 5 12,19,23,24,29 10. No specific reason 5 14,[18][19][20]37 11. Lack of privacy 3 13,15,36 12.…”