Service-learning to improve attitudes towards blood donation among university students

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe how a service-learning methodology can promote blood donation among students by increasing levels of knowledge and improving attitudes while developing professional skills. Method: A quasi-experimental study design was utilised. A questionnaire identified barriers and incentives to blood donation in an experimental group and a control group. Participants ( n = 81) were students in nursing and primary teacher training courses at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Non-parametric analyses examined differences between participating and non-participating students within the project. Results: Gender and degree programme differences were found. Students who participated increased their level of knowledge ( U = 325.500, p < .001) and reduced their barriers to blood donation in three of the evaluated dimensions: personal reasons ( U = 520.500, p = .004), fears ( U = 471.500, p = .001) and pretexts ( U = 576.500, p = .020). Non-participants in the service-learning project reported more barriers and fewer external incentives. Conclusion: Service-learning methodology can be a useful strategy to increase blood donation among students in higher education. It increases knowledge, improves attitudes and reduces barriers to donation. This successful interdisciplinary experience could provide the basis for the implementation of new service-learning approaches.

What influences decisions to donate plasma? A rapid review of the literature

“…There was a gap in the literature surrounding how knowledge of plasma donation and its uses influenced donor motivations. This was surprising, considering in whole blood donation literature, knowledge is discussed as an important factor [47][48][49][50][51]. Further research should be implemented to understand knowledge's influence on individuals when deciding whether they will donate plasma.…”

Blood donation attitudes and knowledge in Spanish undergraduates with roles in health-education

“…A well-structured self-administered questionnaire to study barriers, motivations and knowledge of university students with five dimensions was used [14].…”

“…This insufficient knowledge justifies the insistence on interdisciplinary educational campaigns and discussion in the university environment, which might result in new generations of donors [24]. Educational innovation campaigns and specific training programs, linking education and health systems, are a good way to improve both awareness and learning since they must go hand in hand to minimize unjustified opt-outs of potential donors [14].…”

“…In our country, as in many others, there are few studies that have explored attitudes and knowledge towards blood donation in university students from different fields since they are mainly studied among those of health sciences [13]. The analysis of these factors in countries with voluntary donation systems is of great interest to improve methods in recruiting younger adults, promoting educational institutions as the ideal environment to develop educational interventions [14,15].…”