KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS BLOOD DONATION BETWEEN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CYBERJAYA

Abstract

Blood transfusion is a critical component in medical care, yet worldwide demand exceeds supply. Voluntary donation of blood (VBD) is the most secure method, but response in Malaysia is poor, with only 2.2% of the population donating compared to the WHO-recommended 3–5%. This study compares and assesses the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of blood donation among healthcare and non-healthcare undergraduates. The purpose of this study is to determine whether healthcare students possess enhanced knowledge and more positive attitudes and practices than their non-healthcare counterparts. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 386 students through structured questionnaires. Convenience sampling and statistical testing through Jamovi, such as chi-square tests, was conducted. Healthcare students possessed significantly enhanced knowledge (62.3% vs. 37.3%, p < 0.001), likely due to greater exposure to health-related education. Attitudes were generally favorable but not significantly different (p = 0.380). Practice was low in both groups without any significant difference (p = 0.806), reflecting a global trend where knowledge does not always translate to action. Despite enhanced knowledge among healthcare students, the actual act of donating blood is low in both groups. Donation drives and campaigns are recommended.