KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON BLOOD DONATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

Objective: Students are considered as the best source to mitigate the need for blood experienced especially among nations on a low resource. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of students in relation to blood donation in a developing country. Methods: This study utilized a systematic review of the literature to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of students on blood donation. Using the keywords on eight research databases, the search was able to run 53 hits. Full texts, peer-reviewed, quantitative research design, in English language and published within the year 2013-2018 were the inclusion criteria observed in the review. Appraisal on methodological quality of literature was done on the gathered studies. There are five (5) studies that were considered appropriate for review. Results: Findings revealed that all literature were conducted from developing countries. Students are knowledgeable and has a good attitude towards blood donation, however, there is a low turnout on the actual practice and volunteerism in donating blood. More specifically, students inclined to health have better knowledge and attitude compared students in non-health related course. Female students are found to have low intention to donate. Interventional strategies that are suggested by the literature are mass media and enhancing donor efficiency. Conclusion: Evaluating the results of the previously conducted studies revealed the high knowledge and attitude of students in developing countries relative to blood donation. There is a need to intensify education and advocacy campaigns to translate knowledge and attitude into practice.