Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards blood donation among donors: a cross-sectional study in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards blood donation among blood donors. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted. Setting The study surveyed voluntary blood donors in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. Participants A total of 580 voluntary blood donors participated in the survey between May 2024 and June 2024. Interventions An investigator-designed questionnaire was administered to collect demographic data and assess participants' KAP regarding blood donation. Outcome measures The outcome measures included the KAP scores of blood donors. Results Analysis revealed a mean knowledge score of 19.37±4.05 (possible range: 0-22), an attitude score of 46.28±4.45 (possible range: 10-50) and a practice score of 23.37±5.67 (possible range: 6-30). Knowledge scores correlated positively with attitude (r=0.580, p<0.001) and practice scores (r=0.494, p<0.001). Furthermore, attitude scores showed a strong correlation with practice scores (r=0.618, p<0.001). Structural equation modelling indicated that knowledge directly influenced attitudes (β=0.622, 95% CI 0.539 to 0.704, p=0.007) and had an indirect influence on practices (β=0.411, 95% CI 0.329 to 0.536, p=0.005). Attitudes directly influenced practices (β=0.661, 95% CI 0.554 to 0.761, p=0.006). Conclusions Blood donors exhibited good knowledge and positive attitudes, but their practices were suboptimal. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance participation in blood donation.