Knowledge Level, Motivators and Barriers of Blood Donation Among Adults at Qatar University; A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

One out of every ten patients admitted to the hospital are in urgent need of blood transfusion or blood products in Qatar. This study aims are (1) Assess the level of knowledge towards blood donation and (2) Identify factors that contribute to the willingness to donate blood among young adults at Qatar University. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using constructed questionnaire was conducted among students at Qatar University. Chi-square test and T-test has been used to study the association of blood donation status with different factors. RESULTS: A total of 590 responses were collected, out of which 423 were suitable for analysis. Only 72 out of 472 participants (15%) of participants were blood donors. Gender and age was found to be significantly associated with blood donation status, with higher frequency of donation among males and young adults above the age of 24 years old. The total knowledge score has not been found to be significantly associated with blood donation status with a mean score of 60.5% for both groups (blood donors, non-blood donors). The most common motivators that encouraged blood donors to donate blood are donating to help people, followed by having a blood mobile unit come to your place. Whereas, the most common barriers reported by non-blood donors are failing to meet the requirements, followed by no one ever asked me to give blood. CONCLUSION: Our study provides insights and guidelines that would help in developing effective strategies for recruitment and retention of young adult blood donors. Raising the awareness about blood donation, along with providing more mobile blood donation units at public places and developing a mobile application for blood donation will aid in increasing the frequency of blood donation among young adults.