KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARDS BLOOD DONATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF HEALTH CAMPUS, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

Abstract

Blood donation is crucial to save millions of people, especially patients suffering from various health-related illnesses and issues. It is essential to create awareness among the society at large and students about blood donation to sustain a consistent blood supply. The aim of the study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards blood donation among undergraduate students of the Health Campus, USM. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design using self-administered questionnaires was conducted among undergraduate students of the Health Campus, USM. A total of 94 students was selected using a purposive sampling technique that were included in the study sample from a total 124 students. Results: Among 94 undergraduate students, 97.9% and 96.8% had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards blood donation, respectively. From the total number of selected students, only 40.4% of them had never donated blood before. Conclusion: Although most of the students had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards blood donation, blood donation practice was still low. Recommendations: Targeted approaches should be designed to increase awareness of health science students about the importance of blood donation. Strategies that encourage and motivate the students should also be developed.