Background: Blood transfusion is a critical medical intervention that saves lives and treats emergencies such as bleeding injuries and anemias. Despite its importance, many regions, especially in low- and middle-income countries, face challenges in maintaining a sufficient and safe blood supply. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), issues such as inadequate donor recruitment and retention exacerbate these challenges. This study aims to explore the factors influencing donor recruitment and the motivations behind blood donation, particularly in the region of Madinah, to enhance the effectiveness of blood transfusion services and contribute to a more sustainable blood supply system. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about blood donation among donors in Madinah-KSA, identify key motivations behind blood donation, explore barriers and challenges faced by donors, evaluate the impact of blood donation services on donor trust and loyalty, and propose evidence-based recommendations to enhance donor recruitment and retention strategies. Methods: Conducted at the Madinah Regional Blood Bank between April 14 and May 9, 2024, this cross-sectional study involved 510 blood donors. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that covered demographic information, awareness and knowledge about blood donation, motivations for donating, and perceptions of the blood donation process. The questionnaire assessed factors such as the influence of incentives, donor satisfaction, trust in safety and efficiency, and future donation intentions. Descriptive statistics analyses, including frequencies and percentages, will be calculated for categorical data. Results: The study found that most participants were young males between the ages of 18 and 40, and most of them had only a high school education and bachelor's degree. This result shows that there is a shortcoming in the participation of females in the blood donation process. The study found high levels of awareness and knowledge among donors, primarily influenced by family, friends, and blood bank campaigns. Voluntary donation was the most significant motivation for donating blood, although personal health benefits and compensatory motivations also played substantial roles. Barriers to donation included inconvenient donation center hours, waiting time before donation and fear related to the donation process. Notably, the study recorded high satisfaction and trust in the safety and efficiency of the blood donation process, with most participants expressing willingness to donate again. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of targeted educational programs, flexible donation center operations, and improved communication strategies to address donor fears and misconceptions. Enhanced community engagement and the strategic use of technology could further improve donor recruitment and retention. The study recommends expanding educational outreach, optimizing donation center hours, utilizing technology for better engagement and scheduling, and enhancing donor support at donation centers. The study also recommends focusing on supporting and motivating females to participate in blood donation operations. The study recommended developing a systematic plan to stimulate scheduled voluntary donations to organize the donation process and use incentives for donors. Policy advocacy and the integration of blood donation education into public health campaigns and universities’ curricula are also advised to support a sustainable blood donation system in Madinah and potentially other similar regions
Keywords: Awareness and knowledge, blood donation, donors, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, motivations, barriers and challenges, donor trust, loyalty, retention strategies
How to cite this article:Al-Ruwaili MA, Kalo NA, Alqashami AM, Alotaibi MN, Zaila AA, Aljurayan GYA, Hussein MAE, Donor Recruitment and Motivation: A Cross-Sectional Study on Donors Attending Madina Regional Blood Bank. 2026;16(1s): 818-829; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16. 818-829