Barriers to Blood Donation: Donor Deferrals in a Saudi Hospital Setting

Blood donation plays a critical role in healthcare systems by supplying blood and blood products for surgeries, emergency care, and chronic disease management. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of genetic disorders, like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, further increase the need for a stable blood supply. However, high rates of donor deferrals remain a significant barrier to maintaining a reliable blood supply. This study aims to analyse the main factors contributing to blood donor deferrals at King Fahad Hospital Al Hofuf between January 2023 and August 2024. By identifying and correlating key deferral reasons with donor demographics, the study seeks to provide actionable insights to reduce deferral rates and enhance donor retention.

This retrospective observational study analysed blood donation records of 21,149 donors, including both eligible and deferred individuals. Demographic data (age, gender, nationality) and medical assessments (hemoglobin levels, blood pressure) were collected and analysed to identify deferral trends. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to assess the relationships between donor characteristics and deferral reasons, with chi-square tests and logistic regression used to identify predictors of deferral.

Data analyses showed that 89.5% of deferred donors were male, with the largest group of deferrals aged 21-30 years. Low hemoglobin was the most common deferral reason, affecting 27.5% of all deferred donors, with female donors disproportionately affected by anemia-related deferrals. Male donors were more frequently deferred for aspirin use (13.2%) and blood pressure issues (15.9%). Seasonal trends showed deferral peaks in January and November, while the highest donation rates were recorded in April and October.

Addressing the higher rates of deferral due to low hemoglobin and cardiovascular issues through targeted public health interventions could significantly improve donor retention and ensure a more reliable blood supply. Implementing iron supplementation programs for female donors and cardiovascular health screenings for male donors could reduce deferral rates.