Blood Donor Characteristics at a Hospital Blood Bank in Saudi Arabia: A Trend-analysis

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Identification of blood donor profiles helps with recruitment and retention strategies. OBJECTIVES: To describe donor characteristics at a hospital blood bank and to describe any changes in donor characteristics throughout the study period. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the blood bank records from 2005 to 2022. Characteristics of donors (age 18 or above) were collected. Percentages of donors according to various characteristics were described in 3-year intervals and compared using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Over the study period, 226,576 blood donations were identified. Most donors were men, and half were non-Saudi nationals. Approximately two-thirds of the blood donors (145,794, 64.3%) were between 25 and 44 years old, and (59,650, 26.3%) were between 18 and 24 years old. When donors were compared across time intervals according to the age group, the percentage of donors 18–24 years old decreased over time from 31.4% in the interval 2005–2007 to 23.5% in the 2020–2022 interval. Significant changes were seen in the percentages of repeat donors as well. CONCLUSIONS: Donation trends showed significant changes related to donor age, gender, and nationality as well as donor type (new or repeat donor), the most notable being that donations by younger adults have decreased. Marketing plans must be implemented to target and retain this donor population. Further research is required for the detailed characterization of donors across the country to ensure the sustainability of the blood supply.