RESUMO
The present study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about blood safety and donation among 1st and 2nd MBBS students of RIMS, Imphal and to determine any association between knowledge level and selected variables like gender, those who had ever donated blood and were willing to donate in future. This cross sectional study was conducted in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal during September to December 2010. Students were interviewed face to face using a pre-tested, pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Students’ level of knowledge was assessed by scoring scale. Data were presented in percentages, mean and standard deviation. Pearson’ chi square test was used for significance testing. The proportion of students having adequate knowledge was 33.1% with the mean score of 12.2±2. 89.8% intended to donate blood in future, but only 13.9% had ever donated blood and out of which, 64.8% of donors were first timers. Knowledge on blood safety and donation was significantly associated with blood donation status. Regular CMEs and seminars should be conducted to increase awareness about blood safety and donation and to increase the number of voluntary blood donation.