Abstract

Background: Voluntary blood donors are the cornerstone for blood banks. Hence, this study intends to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and awareness toward blood donation among visitors of King Fahad University Hospital.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted via self-administered questionnaires which were filled by visitors of King Fahad Hospital of the University. A total of 678 sheets were completed and analyzed. The duration of the study was 9 months. Inclusion criteria: Males and females > 16 years; can read questionnaire in Arabic or English. Exclusion criteria: Can’t read in Arabic or English; Age less than 16 years; Significant language and communication barriers.
Results: The age of participants was 36.5 ± 12.63 (mean ± SD), where 66.5% were male and most of the participants were students or had a bachelor’s degree. Most of the respondents did not know the minimum age (58%) or weight (59%) for blood donation, but 75% knew a nearby blood donation center. Most respondents agreed that blood donation is a national duty, and 86% considered it as a healthy habit. The majority thought that the availability of mobile donation units would be a motivating factor, while 53% perceived no need for incentives. Past donors were 48.4%, out of which 95.1% reported a positive donation experience.
Conclusion: The overall knowledge of respondents was low and they showed a good overall attitude toward donation. Most respondents perceived no need for incentives but welcomed it. This study highlights the gaps to be managed by future blood donation campaigns

Key words: Blood donation; knowledge; awareness; attitude; Eastern Province; Saudi Arabia