Knowledge and practice towards voluntary blood donation among University of Kerbala students

Blood donation is a life-saving practice, yet many developing countries face chronic shortages due to a lack of regular donors. This study assessed knowledge and practice of voluntary blood donation among university students, examined associations with socio-demographic factors and academic field, and identified motivators and barriers.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among third- and fourth-year students in five medical and non-medical colleges at the University of Kerbala using one-stage cluster sampling. A structured Arabic questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge (19 items), donation history, attitudes, and information sources. Analyses included chi-square tests, univariate and multivariable logistic regression.

Of 730 students, 19.7% had good knowledge. Medical students scored higher than non-medical students (29.3% vs. 10.0%, p < 0.001), and females outperformed males (p = 0.04). Only 11.6% had ever donated, with substantially higher rates in males (22% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Although non-medical students appeared more likely to donate in crude analysis (15.7% vs. 7.9%), this association disappeared after adjustment, indicating gender explained the difference. In multivariable models, medical college enrollment and blood group A independently predicted higher knowledge, while older age, male gender, higher knowledge, and smoking independently predicted donation. Non-medical students more often viewed donation as a humanitarian and religious duty, while medical students more frequently cited academic study as an information source. Altruism was the leading motivator (57.6%), and the most common barrier was never being asked to donate (50.7%).

Knowledge and donation rates were modest. Targeted educational initiatives and increased on-campus opportunities may help translate high willingness into actual donation.