Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Blood Donation Among Students of a Nursing College in Central Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background : Blood transfusion is an essential component of modern healthcare, supporting the management of trauma, obstetric
emergencies, major surgeries, hematological disorders, and various chronic illnesses. Maintaining an adequate supply of safe blood
depends largely on regular voluntary blood donors. Nursing students, as future healthcare professionals, are expected to possess
appropriate knowledge regarding blood donation, develop positive attitudes toward voluntary donation, and motivate the community
through health education. However, misconceptions, fear, and inadequate awareness often limit actual blood donation practices.
Assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of nursing students can help identify educational gaps and guide interventions
to improve voluntary blood donation.
Methodology: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted over three months among 300 undergraduate nursing students
at SS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Central Karnataka. Participants were selected using universal sampling
after obtaining informed consent. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic
characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding blood donation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS
version 29. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Associations between
variables were evaluated using the Chi-square test, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 20.8 ± 1.6 years, with females comprising 78.0% of the study population. Good
knowledge regarding blood donation was observed in 68.3% of students, while 81.3% demonstrated a positive attitude toward
voluntary blood donation. Only 36.7% had previously donated blood. The most common reasons for not donating blood were fear
of needle pain, lack of opportunity, fear of weakness after donation, and medical ineligibility. Students with good knowledge were
significantly more likely to have a positive attitude and previous blood donation experience (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Nursing students demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and favorable attitudes regarding voluntary blood donation;
however, actual donation practices remained inadequate. Strengthening educational initiatives and increasing opportunities for
voluntary blood donation within nursing institutions may improve donor participation.