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

BACKGROUND: 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. AIM: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: Repeat donors showed significantly higher motivation scores (mean altruism 4.02 vs. 2.99; p