Blood donation knowledge, attitudes, previous donation and student community engagement at Rajshahi University, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives To assess knowledge, attitudes and previous blood donation practices among students of Rajshahi University, Bangladesh and to evaluate the association between student community engagement factors and these three variables. Design Cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Setting Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. Participants A total of 500 full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students were recruited through stratified quota sampling by faculty and academic level. Participants self-reported meeting the general WHO blood-donor eligibility criteria, including age ≥18 years, weight ≥50 kg, being apparently healthy and having no acute infection or other donor-deferral condition. Clinical eligibility was not confirmed through haemoglobin testing, blood pressure measurement or blood-bank records. Dependent variables The dependent variables were adequate knowledge of blood donation, a positive attitude toward blood donation and previous donation of blood (ever vs never). Factors associated with these dependent variables were assessed using χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Overall, 54.0% of respondents had adequate knowledge, 46.0% had a positive attitude and 38.0% reported previous blood donation. The most reported barriers were fear of needles (34.0%), lack of time (31.0%) and concern about physical weakness after donation (28.0%). Furthermore, 22.0% selected a pre-defined barrier option developed by the investigators describing misconceptions about blood donation (eg, the belief that donation causes permanent weakness); participants were not asked to assess the accuracy of their own beliefs. In multivariable analyses, campaign exposure was associated with adequate knowledge (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.70; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.43), positive attitude (AOR 1.40; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.97) and previous blood donation (AOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.90). Peer influence was associated with positive attitude (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.01) and previous blood donation (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.51). Student-organisation membership was associated with previous blood donation (AOR: 3.85, 95% CI 2.38 to 6.24). Female students had lower odds of previous blood donation than male students (AOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.91). Conclusion Previous blood donation was less common than adequate knowledge or positive attitudes toward blood donation among Rajshahi University students. Student community engagement factors, including campaign exposure, peer influence and membership in student organisations, were associated with one or more of the study dependent variables. Campus-based programmes should address fear, misconceptions and practical barriers through targeted information, peer-led motivation, collaboration with student organisations and convenient mobile or scheduled blood donation sessions.
Source: BMJ Open
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W7223114874