Knowledge and practice towards voluntary blood donation among University of Kerbala students

Abstract Background Blood donation is a life‐saving practice, yet many developing countries face chronic shortages due to a lack of regular donors. This study assessed knowledge and practice of voluntary blood donation among university students, examined associations with socio‐demographic factors and academic field, and identified motivators and barriers. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among third‐ and fourth‐year students in five medical and non‐medical colleges at the University of Kerbala using one‐stage cluster sampling. A structured Arabic questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge (19 items), donation history, attitudes, and information sources. Analyses included chi‐square tests, univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results Of 730 students, 19.7% had good knowledge. Medical students scored higher than non‐medical students (29.3% vs. 10.0%, p < 0.001), and females outperformed males ( p = 0.04). Only 11.6% had ever donated, with substantially higher rates in males (22% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Although non‐medical students appeared more likely to donate in crude analysis (15.7% vs. 7.9%), this association disappeared after adjustment, indicating gender explained the difference. In multivariable models, medical college enrollment and blood group A independently predicted higher knowledge, while older age, male gender, higher knowledge, and smoking independently predicted donation. Non‐medical students more often viewed donation as a humanitarian and religious duty, while medical students more frequently cited academic study as an information source. Altruism was the leading motivator (57.6%), and the most common barrier was never being asked to donate (50.7%). Conclusion Knowledge and donation rates were modest. Targeted educational initiatives and increased on‐campus opportunities may help translate high willingness into actual donation.