Knowledge, perceptions and practices towards blood donation among undergraduate medical students in an upcountry Ugandan university: A mixed methods study.

Background: Due to the different factors affecting the maintenance of a constant supply of human blood in health facilities, this study aimed at exploring the knowledge, perceptions, and practices towards blood donation among under graduate medical students at Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences (BUFHS).

Methods: Using a convergent parallel mixed methods study design, 384 students were recruited into the study. Questionnaires and focused group discussions were used to collect the data. Stata version 15.0 and thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively.

Results: Of the respondents, 151 (39.4%) had ever donated blood and 50.4% had good knowledge about blood donation. The commonest motivating factor towards blood donation was "to save someone's life". Factors associated with practices towards blood donation included: religion, year 2 of study and prior blood donation history. Being Jehovah's Witness reduced the willingness to donate blood by 88% compared to other religions. Thematic analysis revealed four themes namely; students' experiences and thoughts, driving forces to donate blood, fears and misconceptions, and suggestions to increase blood donors.

Conclusion: The proportion of undergraduate medical students who had adequate level of knowledge about blood donation was moderately high, however, some of their perceptions towards it were unconventional. To ensure safe and adequate blood supply, design of strategies and tailored programs that promote blood donation is highly recommended..