Prevalence of blood donation at Almaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: World Health Organization reports that the safest blood donors come from low-risk communities and donate blood freely and for free. The student population that is healthy, active, and receptive may donate blood to meet the demand for safe blood. We aim to determine the prevalence of blood donation among the students and employees of Almaarefa University. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeting Almaarefa University staff members and students was carried out in collaboration with the National Guard Hospital, Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Data was gathered via a straightforward questionnaire. The primary requirements for participation were: being medically healthy, older than 20 years old, weighing more than 55 kg, having a hemoglobin level of more than 11 mmHg, and have not donated blood in the past 60 days. Results: The majority of the volunteers were male (59%), weighing 55-65 kg (44.6%), from the age group of 20-22 (76.4%), and 66.2% of them were Saudis. Further, 46.5% were from the College of Medicine. A statistically significant association was found between gender and weight (p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: To increase the frequency of blood donation, it is necessary to develop specific programs with interactive blood donation awareness workshops that target youngsters and encourage them to become regular volunteer blood donors. Exploring and evaluating barriers to blood donation, especially for women, is essential. Efforts must be made to put the information and encouraging attitude toward contribution into practice.