ABSTRACT
Voluntary blood donation is a vital component of healthcare systems worldwide. Undergraduate nurses, as future healthcare professionals, play a crucial role in promoting and sustaining voluntary blood donation. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of undergraduate nurses regarding voluntary blood donation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate nurses at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study employed a structured questionnaire to collect data from 219 respondents that were selected using convenience sampling technique. Statistical analysis, including correlation and hypothesis testing, was carried out to determine the relationships between variables. The findings indicated that the majority 125.7(57.4%) fell into the "very low" category of knowledge, emphasizing the urgent need for improvement in education and knowledge dissemination. Attitudes toward voluntary blood donation varied among respondents. While there was general 119(54.3%) agreement on its value to the healthcare system and safety for patient care, there was less agreement on active participation 105(47.9%), promotion 74(33.8%), and professional responsibility 85(38.8%). Current practices regarding voluntary blood donation among undergraduate nurses at UNIBEN were characterized by a lack of active participation 102(46.6%), volunteering 81(37.0%), comfort 73(33.3%) with the process, and encouragement 100(45.7%) of peers. However, there was a strong agreement 94(42.9%) that undergraduate nurses should actively engage in voluntary blood donation as part of their professional responsibility. In conclusion, this study highlights the need for comprehensive education on voluntary blood donation in nursing curricula. Emphasizing the professional responsibility of healthcare practitioners, including nurses, in promoting voluntary blood donation is essential. Efforts should be directed toward improving undergraduate nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding voluntary blood donation, these efforts should encompass education, awareness, and active engagement strategies, fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation and enhancing healthcare delivery. Keywords: voluntary blood donation, undergraduate nurses, knowledge, attitudes, practice
