Role of Targeted Education in Promoting Voluntary Blood Donation Among Future Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Voluntary blood donation is vital to modern healthcare, yet countries like Pakistan face ongoing shortages due to low donor turnout and misconceptions surrounding donation. Future healthcare professionals, particularly students in Allied Health Sciences, are strategically positioned to act as both donors and advocates for voluntary donation. This study evaluates the impact of targeted educational interventions on knowledge and attitudes toward blood donation among Allied Health students at the University of Child Health Sciences, PIMS, Islamabad. A total of 105 students from various disciplines participated in a structured, cross-sectional interventional study conducted between February and August 2024. Baseline assessments revealed moderate knowledge levels and limited willingness to donate. Students underwent a two-week educational program incorporating multimedia modules, discussions, and live demonstrations. Post-intervention assessments conducted 30 days later showed a statistically significant increase in both knowledge and positive attitudes (p < 0.001). The proportion of students with good knowledge rose from 5.7% to 94.3%, while willingness to donate increased from 48.6% to 91.4%. Notably, improvements were consistent across all disciplines, suggesting the intervention’s wide applicability. The findings highlight that targeted, interactive educational efforts can effectively address cognitive and emotional barriers to donation. Integrating such strategies into health sciences curricula may not only enhance student knowledge but also foster long-term donor engagement and public health advocacy. Future research should explore long-term retention and behavioral outcomes.