Motivators, Deterrents, and Behavioral Correlates of Blood Donation Among Tertiary Students in Naga City, Philippines

Blood donation is essential in maintaining an adequate and safe blood supply for emergencies, surgeries, and other medical needs. However, student participation in voluntary blood donation remains influenced by various personal, social, institutional, psychological, and knowledge-related factors. This study examined the motivators, deterrents, and related factors associated with blood donation behavior among students in selected tertiary educational institutions in Naga City. A descriptive-correlational design was used, involving 585 student respondents. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire measuring demographic profile, motivator domains, deterrents, and blood donation behavior. Descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Cramer’s V were used for data analysis. Findings showed that most respondents were aged 20–24 years, female, single, and Catholic. Personal, institutional and environmental, awareness and knowledge-based, and psychological motivators had high influence, while social and interpersonal motivators had moderate influence. The leading deterrents were fear of needles, fear of adverse reactions, health concerns, temporary deferrals, and lack of knowledge. Age, sex, year level, and all motivator domains were significantly associated with blood donation behavior, while deterrents were not. The study concludes that student blood donation behavior is influenced more by positive motivators than by perceived barriers.