Abstract

Blood transfusion is an indispensable component of health care. It contributes to saving millions of lives each year
in both routine and emergency situations. The present study determined the knowledge, attitude and practice of
prospective blood donors aged between 18 to 35 years at KIU, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, southwestern Uganda”
This was a cross-section conducted among 384 Students at KIU-WC who consented. These participants were
selected based on simple random sampling techniques and data was obtained from all the participants using a
questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The analyzed data was then presented in the form of frequency
tables and graphs. The majority 215 (53.4%) of the participants were males, many 166(43.2%) were 3rd-year
students, 245(63.8%) participants were Christians and lastly, and 209 (54.4%) participants were from the Schools of
Health Sciences. 49.2% have good knowledge of blood donation. Many 220(57.3%) knew that the best source of
blood was voluntary donors, majority 362(94.3%) knew that blood cannot be manufactured, many 246(66.6%) knew
that the recommended age to start donating blood is 18 years and above, majority 250(65.1%) knew that the
minimum weight for the eligible blood donor is 45 kgs, many308 (80.2%) knew that nothing harmful can happen to
blood donor, 246(64.1%) knew that temporary weakness happened to the blood donor during and after donation.
Lastly, 268(69.8%) knew at least one condition where blood donation is required or used. many 186 (48.4%) thought
that blood donation is good, the majority 269 (70.1%) encouraged others to donate, and 194 (50.4%) believed
donating blood is too. Much of an inconvenience, 270 (70.3%) were less likely to donate blood even if they were paid
to do so and lastly many 231 (60.2%) were not willing to donate blood in future. many 318(82.8%) had never donated
blood. Of the 66 (17.2%) who had ever donated blood, many 44(66.7%) donated once. Of the 318 who had never
donated blood, the main reason was fear of needles/pain suggested by 117(30.5%). This study observed found low
levels of knowledge and practice. The rate of positive attitude was relatively low and a high were not willing to
donate blood in future. The main reason for not donating blood was fear of needles/pain.