Incentives and limitations of Greek blood donors: Application of the Health Belief Model in the design of recruiting strategies

Abstract

Background Studies of the behavior of blood donors suggest that the examination of their incentives and reported barriers could be utilized in designing targeted recruiting strategies and awareness-raising campaigns. Methodology Data was collected via a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), aimed to examine reported incentives, limitations, benefits, and self-efficacy of 261 blood donors at Thriasio General Hospital from January 1 to March 1, 2020, after required permission provided. The analysis was performed by the use of the SPSS statistical software. In addition, a Greek translation of the K6+ distress scale was provided. Results Our sample consisted of 261 blood donors, the majority of which were men (88.5%), 40-50 years old (36.4%), high school graduates (49.4%), and married (53.3%). Heightened awareness of increased blood needs and blood shortages was mentioned. 92.8% of respondents believe that blood donation is an act of contribution to society or beneficial for their health (86.6%). The limited working hours of blood donation services are the main obstacle mentioned by the participants (32.8%), while 80.7% emphasized the need for public information campaigns. Based on the K6 scale answers score, most participants are classified in the intermediate-risk category for Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Conclusion The study of beliefs and incentives of blood donors is a critical factor in developing an effective recruiting strategy in a volunteering frame. Public information campaigns regarding the blood donation process and reminders aiming at the return of blood donors after the necessary time interval could facilitate this effort.