Blood donation knowledge, attitude, and practice among regular undergraduate medical and health science students at Wolkite University, Central Ethiopia: A cross sectional study

Aims: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of blood donation among students studying medicine and health sciences, at Wolkite University, in 2024. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 407 participant’s selected using simple random sampling from each department. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and self-administration. The collected data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS-25.A scoring system was used, with one point given for each correct response and zero for incorrect responses. Participants could score a maximum of 16 points. Knowledge levels were categorized as poor (less than 8 points or more). Data distribution was assessed for normality using histograms and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Categorical data were presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables were analyzed using means and standard deviations. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Of the 407 participants, 257 (63.1%) were males and 150 (36.9%) were females with a mean age of 22.47±1.77. 94.6% of respondents scored 8 or more correct answers, indicating good knowledge. 32.8% heard about blood donation through mass media, and (49.1%) identified voluntary donors and family as blood sources. 95.3% had a good habit of donating blood, and 85.3% recommended voluntary donation for safe blood supply. 28.7% had donated blood, with 54.8% donating once. Conclusion: Opportunities, information, social responsibility, and motivation are key factors influencing students’ blood donation behavior. Increased information, education, and communication (IEC) activities and seminars can raise awareness among medical students, encouraging voluntary donation, and inspiring others. Involving influential figures like celebrities, religious leaders, regular donors, and blood recipients can further motivate students to participate in blood donation campaigns.