The willingness to donate blood: an empirical analysis of socio-demographic and motivation-related determinants

Abstract

Since the willingness to donate blood is not very high among large parts of the population, a better understanding of the determinants for the willingness to donate blood is of significant importance. This article is intended to contribute to higher uniformity of results in the context of research on blood donation behaviour. Exploratory factor analysis and non-parametric tests are used to accomplish this. Potentially important socio-demographic and motivation-related variables particularly affecting the willingness to donate blood are examined. As an addition to the existing literature, the influence of the individual importance of structural characteristics of blood donation facilities, such as the standard of the facility's medical equipment or the training of the facility's staff, will be tested for its effects on the willingness to donate blood. The analysis will also include the influence of direct or indirect personal involvement on the part of the respondent. The results of the study indicate that typical blood donors are young women or men who are studying or possess a higher level of education. Furthermore, potential blood donors can easily be attracted by pecuniary incentives and word of mouth. Unlike non-donors, potential blood donors are not idle, have no fear of infections due to the donation and want reasonable opening hours of blood donation facilities.