University students knowledge, attitude and practice towards blood donation in Yazd, Iran

Abstract Background and Objectives The most important aim of all blood transfusion centers is to motivate and recruit young blood donors from low-risk population to donate blood voluntarily and regularly to ensure a safe and continuous blood supply. There is a paucity of studies on awareness and attitude among university students on voluntary blood donation in Yazd. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice about blood donation among university students.   Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students. The data were obtained during 2014 through questionnaire. Data were coded in SPSS18 software and analysis was done by using of Chi square, T-test, and ANOVA statistical tests.   Results Totally 1329 cases were selected and asked by trained individuals to fill a specially formatted questionnaire. Mean age of cases was 22.7±4.4. Knowledge levels of 694 (52.2%), 449 (33.8%), and 186 (14%) students were estimated to be weak, moderate, and good, respectively.  Attitude levels of 422 (31.8%), 693 (52.1%), and 214(16.1%) were stimated weak, moderate, and good, respectively. 77 students had good knowledge and attitude towards blood donation. Totally, 226 (17%) students, including 83 (12%) female and 143 (24%) male and in the case of 409 (30.7%) students, one of their family members donated blood at least once.    Conclusions  According to the results of this study, studentschr('39') knowledge, attitude and practice about blood donation were not desirable and need improvement.