Knowledge, attitudes and practices among medical students on blood donation

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Blood is a lifesaving component on many occasions. Despite increasing awareness of the importance of blood, there is a wide gap between the demand and supply of blood and its various components. The aim was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices on blood donation among the students of a medical college in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive observational study was based on the students’ response to the pre-validated questionnaire which had questions regarding the knowledge, attitudes and practices of blood donation. The students studying in different classes of MBBS had been included in the study. The data was analysed using the statistical software SPSS version 28. Qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentage and quantitative variables as mean± SD. Chi square test was used to find the association of knowledge and attitudes among the gender, p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The MBBS students had an overall good knowledge and favourable attitudes about blood donation. However, many failed to answer some questions regarding the advantage of blood donation and the number of patients who benefited from one unit of blood. We observed a poor practice of blood donation among the MBBS students. This was attributed to lack of opportunity. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for awareness programs and advertisements regarding voluntary blood donation.

Barriers of blood donation practices during the pandemic- KAP study on voluntary blood donation during the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate students in Karnataka

“…In a study done in Delhi (98%) and Mangalore (98.6%) the medical students had a better knowledge on universal donor and recipient. 8,11 Most of the medical students had good knowledge on the donor criteria for weight (85.9%) and age (81.9%) with similar findings in other studies. 8,[10][11][12] In studies done in Karachi and Puducherry the knowledge amongst medical students regarding age (66.4%) and weight (54.7%) criteria was lower.…”

“…8,11 Most of the medical students had good knowledge on the donor criteria for weight (85.9%) and age (81.9%) with similar findings in other studies. 8,[10][11][12] In studies done in Karachi and Puducherry the knowledge amongst medical students regarding age (66.4%) and weight (54.7%) criteria was lower. 12,13 Most medical students knew if blood donation can be done if the donors are anemic.…”

“…Other studies report wide differences in knowledge regarding this (83.3-46.7%). 10,11 The lower knowledge regarding this may be due to lack of awareness generation on this by authorities and the lower practice rate making students unaware of the procedure during donation.…”

“…Most of them were male students and this is in congruence with other studies. 9,[11][12][13] To promote blood donation among healthy males and females, accurate information must be provided thereby increasing the total pool of available blood donors. Most respondents (221) didn't donate blood during the pandemic with the major reasons being fear of going to hospital or blood banks (Figure 2).…”