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Objectives: To assess and analyze the differences in knowledge, perception, and practices regarding blood donation between medical and non-medical students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 participants, including 229 medical and 155 non-medical students, selected through non- probability convenience sampling. Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. Responses were analyzed using the Jeffreys Amazing Statistics Programme (JASP) to evaluate differences in knowledge, perception, and practices related to blood donation between the two groups. Results: The study identified a notable knowledge disparity, with 66.8% of medical students demonstrating a higher factual understanding of blood donation compared to 34.8% of non-medical students. Regarding the perception of blood donation, both groups of students generally exhibited positive views, with medical students showing slightly better performance in certain aspects. However, no significant association was found between their perception and the actual practice of blood donation. On the practice of blood donation, approximately 33.6% of medical students and 20% of non-medical students had engaged in blood donation, predominantly on a voluntary basis. Notably, medical students demonstrated a higher propensity for blood donation compared to their non-medical counterparts. A significant association was observed between the course of study and donation practices (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study underscores the critical need for targeted educational interventions to improve knowledge and address misconceptions about blood donation. Collaborative initiatives are vital for fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation, thereby ensuring a sustainable blood supply to meet healthcare demands. Key words: Knowledge, perception, practice, blood donation, medical students, non-medical students
Arujunan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.