DOI: 10.4103/abhs.abhs_91_25 ISSN: 2773-1545

Blood donation among university students: Knowledge, practices, motivators, and barriers in the United Arab Emirates

Shahed Ragheb Hamdan, Ahmed Elsamman, Rania Sharaf, Mohammed Abduls Al-Khalidi, Mariam Dhahrabi, Jana Jaweed Samara, Basema Saddik, Amal Hussein
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Background:

Blood donation is an essential component of healthcare systems worldwide. Despite ongoing efforts, many countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), continue to experience shortages in blood supply. University students represent an important target population for voluntary blood donation because of their generally good health, accessibility, and long-term donor potential. This study aimed to assess knowledge, willingness, motivators, and barriers related to blood donation among university students in the UAE.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 723 university students aged 18–25 years using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured bilingual questionnaire assessing knowledge, willingness, motivators, and barriers related to blood donation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29, and associations between variables were assessed using Chi-square tests.

Results:

Among participants, 57.5% were female, and 42.5% were male. Overall, 51.9% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge regarding blood donation, whereas only 5.1% demonstrated high knowledge levels. Medical students demonstrated significantly greater knowledge compared with nonmedical students ( P < 0.001). Male students demonstrated higher blood donation prevalence, while female students demonstrated greater willingness to donate blood. Younger students showed significantly greater willingness to donate blood compared with older students ( P = 0.037). The most commonly reported barrier was perceived ineligibility for blood donation (53.9%), whereas pain during blood withdrawal was the least commonly reported barrier (11.8%). The most common motivators included altruism and helping family members or friends.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the need for targeted educational and awareness interventions to improve blood donation knowledge and participation among university students in the UAE. Addressing misconceptions regarding eligibility and improving awareness about blood donation safety may help increase voluntary blood donation rates and strengthen the national blood supply system.

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