Knowledge and attitude towards blood donation in nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Blood transfusion saves lives and improves health. However, there has been a global blood shortage and a significant disparity in blood donation worldwide in recent years. As future healthcare professionals who educate and promote blood donation, nursing students' knowledge and attitude are paramount to improving future motivation and engagement. This study aimed to explore Hong Kong nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward blood donation.

<b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional online survey used a well-validated Blood Donor Identity Survey (Chinese version) with approval. Before data collection in November 2023, ethical approval was sought. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-test or one-way ANOVA, and Pearson Chi-square test were used for data analysis.

<b>Results:</b> 720 undergraduate nursing students were recruited, and 650 valid questionnaires were received. Among 650, 484 (74.5%) were female, and their mean age was 20.84 (SD=2.26) years. The total knowledge mean score was 9.55 (SD=1.32) out of 12, and blood donors (9.77±1.28) were higher than non-blood donors (9.46±1.33), with a significant difference (p=0.006). Nursing students who have religion, are older, have prior experience receiving blood, know someone who has donated blood and have higher scores of identified regulations are more likely to be blood donors (OR>1). Nursing students who had long-term medication taken and a higher amotivation score are less likely to be blood donors (OR<1).

<b>Conclusion:</b> Overall, nursing students have a good knowledge of blood donation. Blood donors possess a better understanding of blood donation than non-blood donors. Strategies to improve amotivation could be considered in the future.