Study on attitude of medical students towards voluntary blood donation and associated practice in a medical college hospital

Abstract

Background: Safe blood is a critical component in improving health care. The present study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to voluntary blood donation among medical students, thereby aiding in appropriate measures to tackle the paucity of blood donors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 234 medical students who were provided with a pre-designed, self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 234 medical students participated in the study. 74(31.7%) were 1st year MBBS students and 160 (68.3%) were 2nd and 3rd year MBBS students. 63 (26.9%) of the students had donated blood earlier. The main reasons cited by those who had not donated blood were fear of weakness / side-effects (40.8%), willing to donate for friends and family only (31.6%) and advise by guardian/ others against blood donation (27.6%). Conclusions: Knowledge, attitude and practice towards voluntary blood donation are disappointing for a population of medical students. Appropriate measures need to be taken to abolish myths and clear misconceptions regarding voluntary blood donation.