Building community resilience: The influence of COVID-19 on blood donation knowledge and motivations among nursing students in Hong Kong

Author(s)
Author(s)
Lau, Y. T.
Date Issued
2026
Conference
International Conference on Human Resilience: Navigating Life Changes & Challenges (HRCONF2026)
Abstract
In recent years, global disparities in blood donation have highlighted the need for community resilience to address blood shortages. As future healthcare professionals, nursing students play a critical role in fostering community engagement and promoting blood donation. This study investigated the knowledge and motivations of nursing students in Hong Kong regarding blood donation following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of enhancing community resilience by increasing blood donation participation. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, we administered a validated Blood Donor Identity Survey to full-time nursing students aged 18 and older at a large university in late 2023. Out of approximately 2,200 potential participants, 650 completed the online questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 29.5%. Among the respondents, 71.5% were non-blood donors, while 28.5% had donated blood. Our findings revealed that blood donors exhibited significantly higher knowledge scores than non-donors. Key factors influencing willingness to donate included prior experiences with blood transfusions, older age, personal connections to donors, and religious affiliation. Conversely, medication use was linked to a decreased likelihood of donating. Additionally, attitudes toward blood donation significantly affected donor identity: higher amotivation correlated with reduced donation likelihood, and positive identification with donation was associated with increased participation. Despite adequate knowledge, blood donation rates among nursing students remained low post-pandemic. This underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among the Hong Kong government, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions to build community resilience and encourage blood donation. By fostering a culture of giving, we can enhance future healthcare professionals’ capacity to support community health initiatives and effectively address blood shortages.
URI
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes
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