Furkan BAKIRHAN, Ferit KAYA
Neuro-Cell Molecular Research - 2026;3(1):1-12
Ensuring a safe and sustainable blood supply is a critical public health challenge globally. Although medical students are generally expected to possess adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward blood donation, actual donation rates often fall short of expectations. This study aims to evaluate blood donation behavior, knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors among medical students. This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Adıyaman University. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, blood donation behavior, and knowledge-related items, along with a 24-item Likert-type Blood Donation Attitude Scale. A total of 249 students participated in the study. Knowledge levels were assessed via a 20-item questionnaire, and attitude scores were calculated from the scale. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent-samples t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariate regression analyses (linear and logistic) were performed. Among the participants, 37.8% had previously donated blood. Male gender (OR=3.49; p<0.001), encouraging others to donate (OR=2.50; p=0.016), and perceiving oneself as healthy enough to donate (OR=35.07; p<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of blood donation behavior. The mean knowledge score was 13.76+/-2.73, and the mean attitude score was 84.55+/-9.54. No significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.034; p=0.594), nor between these variables and actual blood donation behavior (p>0.05). Blood donation behavior among medical students is more strongly associated with individual health perception and social influence than with knowledge or attitudes. Interventions aimed at increasing blood donation should focus on enhancing perceived health suitability and strengthening social encouragement rather than solely improving knowledge levels.
