Assessment of Clinical Medical Student’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Factors Affecting Practice of Voluntary Non-Remunerated BloodDonation in a Medical College in Southeast Nigeria; A CrossSectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47363/JIDSCR/2025(6)196Keywords:
Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation, Medical Students, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Blood Donation Barriers, Public Health, NigeriaAbstract
Background: Voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD) is essential for maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply. However, in many developing countries, including Nigeria, VNRBD rates remain low, with significant reliance on replacement and paid donors. Medical students, as future healthcare providers, are expected to be advocates for voluntary blood donation. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and factors influencing the practice of VNRBD among clinical medical students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Southeast Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 115 clinical medical students selected through a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding blood donation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: All participants (100%) had heard about blood donation, with mass media (37.0%) being the most common source of information. While 92.1% of respondents had a positive attitude toward blood donation, only 37.2% had ever donated blood, and just 40.0% practiced VNRBD. Major barriers to donation included fear of dizziness (41.7%), concerns about inadequate blood volume (40.9%), and fear of needles (35.7%). The primary motivation for blood donation was the desire to help others (73.9%).
Conclusion: Despite high awareness and positive attitudes, actual participation in voluntary blood donation among clinical medical students remains low. Addressing misconceptions, implementing targeted educational interventions, and fostering institutional support may enhance VNRBD rates. Medical schools should integrate blood donation awareness programs to encourage a culture of regular voluntary blood donation.
