Motivational Factors and Barriers to Voluntary Blood Donation Among First-Time and Repeat Donors

Voluntary blood donation is pivotal for healthcare systems, yet motivating first-time donors and retaining repeat donors remain challenging, particularly in middle-income countries like Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to compare motivational and deterring factors between first-time and repeat blood donors in Saudi Arabia and to identify effective incentives to enhance donor participation.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 427 adult blood donors (first-time and repeat) in Saudi Arabia using a validated 27-item questionnaire covering motivating factors, deterrents, and attractive incentives. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and chi-square tests.

Repeat donors showed significantly higher motivation scores (mean altruism 4.02 vs. 2.99; p<0.0001) and lower deterrents related to fear and inconvenience compared to first-time donors (pain fear mean 2.05 vs. 3.61; p<0.0001). Both groups rated incentives such as snacks and branded items moderately but not significantly differently (p>0.05). Education influenced motivation and deterrence primarily among first-time donors.

Altruism and social influences drive sustained donation behavior, while fear and negative experiences limit first-time donor retention. Culturally tailored educational campaigns, community engagement, improved donor care, and involvement of religious and civic leaders are recommended to increase voluntary blood donation in Saudi Arabia.