The Impact Of Electronic Applications On Motivating Blood Donation: A Case Study In Saudi Society

Abstract

Blood donation is a vital public health service, ensuring the availability of blood for emergencies, chronic illnesses, and surgical procedures. Despite its importance, global shortages persist, including in Saudi Arabia, due to reliance on replacement donors and limited voluntary participation. This study investigates the impact of electronic applications on motivating blood donation within Saudi society, analyzing the effectiveness of digital tools in raising awareness, improving accessibility, and fostering sustainable donation practices.

The research employed a descriptive-analytical design using a survey of 500 participants across various Saudi regions. Demographic information, awareness levels, usage patterns, motivations, and obstacles were measured using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson correlations using SPSS v25.

Findings revealed high awareness of applications (84%), yet relatively low consistent usage (25%). Among users, Wateen was the most popular app (61.9%), followed by Dammi (23.8%). Motivations were primarily humanitarian (mean 4.6), supported by convenience features such as reminders (mean 4.2). Major obstacles included privacy concerns (mean 3.6) and lack of flexible scheduling (mean 3.5). Statistical analysis demonstrated a strong positive correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.01) between application usage and donation frequency, confirming the potential of digital platforms in transforming donation behaviors.

The study concludes that electronic applications are a powerful catalyst for promoting voluntary blood donation in Saudi Arabia. With proper enhancements in privacy, security, and accessibility, these tools can be further optimized and serve as a global model for encouraging altruistic health behaviors.