Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding blood donation among medical laboratory trainees at a Ghanaian Health University

Background and aim Blood transfusion plays a vital role in the management of numerous medical conditions. Medical laboratory science students, as future healthcare professionals, represent an important group for promoting blood donation and strengthening blood supply systems. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding blood donation among medical laboratory science students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 medical laboratory science students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (June–August 2025) using a structured, pretested self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized KAP levels, while chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression identified associated factors. Model discrimination was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Participants had a median age of 21 years; most were male (58.7%), single (98.6%), and Christian (93.3%). Adequate knowledge (77.3%) and positive attitudes (92.6%) were common, but fewer students reported good donation practices (47.0%). Knowledge was associated with age, academic level, and ethnicity, with continuing students (Level 200–400) having higher odds of adequate knowledge (aOR = 12.67). Positive attitude was associated with academic level (aOR = 3.02), while good practice was more likely among males (aOR = 1.58) and non-Christians (aOR = 2.48). The knowledge model showed the strongest discrimination (AUC = 0.848), followed by attitude (AUC = 0.707) and practice (AUC = 0.628). Conclusion This study demonstrated high levels of knowledge and positive attitudes. However, blood donation practice remained suboptimal, with fewer than half reporting good donation practices. Given the expected advocacy role of future healthcare professionals, these findings suggest that knowledge and positive attitudes alone may not necessarily translate into regular donation behavior. Targeted practical and motivational strategies are therefore needed.