Introduction

This study examines attitudes toward blood donation in Greece, where maintaining an adequate blood supply is an ongoing challenge. Using the Health Belief Model, the study examines factors such as perceived severity, vulnerability, and self-efficacy in relation to blood donation.

Aims.

The primary objectives of this study are to assess public perceptions and barriers related to blood shortage in Greece, and to identify key motivators and levels of self-efficacy that influence regular blood donation.

Methods.

A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among a sample of Greek adults. The questionnaire was based on the Health Belief Model and assessed perceived severity, vulnerability, self-efficacy, and barriers and facilitators to blood donation. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations (SDs), were used to analyze the data.

Results.

Perceived Severity and Vulnerability

Participants demonstrated a strong awareness of the severity of the blood shortage, particularly during the summer months and periods of high surgical demand. They also recognized that Greece relies on more than voluntary donations to meet its blood needs. These findings are consistent with the Health Belief Model's constructs of perceived severity and vulnerability, and highlight opportunities to promote blood donation.

Perceived Benefits and Barriers

While 74% of respondents expressed confidence in their ability to donate blood regularly and planned to do so within six months, barriers such as fear of needles, health concerns, and concerns about communicable diseases were identified. Addressing these barriers, as suggested by the Health Belief Model, may facilitate more consistent blood donation.

Self-efficacy

A significant proportion of participants (74%, SD=5) demonstrated high levels of self-efficacy, indicating a high likelihood of donating blood if encouraged to do so. This supports the Health Belief Model's focus on self-efficacy as a key motivator for health-related behaviors.

Cues to Action

Participants identified information campaigns, digital reminders, and social encouragement as effective cues to action, with little interest in financial incentives. These cues could serve as important triggers for increasing blood donation rates, consistent with the Health Belief Model.

Conclusions.

The findings, framed within the Health Belief Model, reveal strong perceptions of the seriousness and vulnerability of blood shortage, but also significant barriers to regular donation. The high levels of self-efficacy observed, together with the identified calls to action, could inform targeted interventions aimed at improving blood donation rates in Greece.