Background: Blood donation is a vital component of healthcare systems, yet the lack of donors remains a persistent global challenge.
Objective(s): This study aims to assess Benha University medical students' blood donation knowledge, attitude, practice, motivators and barriers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 medical students at Benha University using a structured self-administered questionnaire that evaluated knowledge, attitude, practice,
motivators and barriers regarding blood donation. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.
Results: About 70% of students demonstrated insufficient knowledge, while there were predominant positive attitudes regarding blood donation. About 16% of the participating medical students had
donated blood before. Key motivators included helping someone they know (89%), helping patients in need (78.5%), and being influenced by family or friends (73.7%), while common barriers were never being asked for donation (55.8%), fear concerns about adverse effects (46.1%), and fear from HIV (40.7%). Age and history of congenital or chronic diseases were significant predictors for blood donation knowledge level. Meanwhile age, sex, academic year, history of congenital or chronic disease and blood donation knowledge level were significant predictors for blood donation practice among Benha University medical students.
Conclusion: According to WHO benchmarks, blood donation rates among Benha medical students are acceptable and reflect generally positive attitudes and willingness to donate; however, the gap between willingness and actual practice indicates persistent misconceptions and practical barriers that warrant further improvement.