Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Voluntary Blood Donation among Allied Health Students: A Descriptive Correlational Study

Background: The availability of voluntary blood donors is a serious concern, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, due to a significant shortage of safe blood supply compared to anticipated demand. However, there is insufficient information regarding voluntary blood donation (VBD) knowledge, attitude, and practice in the current study area. Purpose: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding voluntary blood donation among allied health students and determine the most influential factors. Methods: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional research design was utilized, employing an online self-administered questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 246 allied health students, selected through a non-probability convenience method. The translated knowledge, attitude, and practice instrument was used to assess the students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding voluntary blood donation. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; Version 27), with a statistical significance value of p < 0.05. Results: The total number of participants in this study was 246 students. More than a half of students (n=146, 59.5%) exhibited good knowledge regarding VBD, and the majority of students had good attitude regarding VBD (n= 230, 93.6%), while only a small portion (n= 66, 26.8%) previously participated in the practice of VBD. There is a significant weak positive relationship between age and knowledge regarding VBD (r = 0.186, p = 0.003). Also, there are statistically significant differences between gender, smoking status, academic program, and knowledge regarding VBD (t = -3.44, p = 0.001; t = -2.53, p = 0.012; F = 4.75, p = 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, there is a significant moderate negative relationship between gender, smoking status, and practice regarding VBD (AOR=0.210, CI= 0.095-0.463, p<0.001; AOR= 4.085, CI= 1.672-9.983, p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: The findings indicate that while more than a half of participants had adequate knowledge (59.5%), and good attitude (93.6%) regarding VBD, while only a small portion (26.8%) previously participated in the practice of VBD. Also, there is a significant weak positive relationship between age and knowledge regarding VBD. In addition, there are statistically significant differences between gender, smoking status, academic program and knowledge regarding VBD. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between age, gender, smoking status and practice regarding VBD. Implications for Nursing: The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive strategy encompassing educational campaigns designed to raise knowledge and awareness regarding VBD, while also promoting active participation.