Author(s): Yeneanchalem Bialfew, Getachew Hailu and Tsion Samuel
Background: Despite the fact that Hepatitis B Virus infection has been a major problem associated with blood transfusion in developing countries like Ethiopia, data on magnitude of Hepatitis B Virus seropositivity among blood donors is scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis B Virus infection among blood donors at Debre Markos blood bank centre.
Methods: The study followed a facility based cross sectional study design among 403 consecutively selected volunteer blood donors. After having informed consent, from each donor, 5 ml venous blood samples were collected. Samples were tested for hepatitis B virus antigen with Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. The data entered in Epi-info version 7 and analyzed in SPSS Version 22. The proportions and averages of the study variables were calculated. Odds Ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p-value of 0.05 in multiple variable logistic regressions used to identify significantly associated factors with Hepatitis B virus infection.
Results: About 403 volunteer blood donors with a mean age of 20 ± 2.35 years were included in the study. About 4.7% (n=19) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. The odds of hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors who had sharp materials sharing experience were 3 times higher than those who had no such experience [AOR =3; 95% CI: 1.07-8.3]. Blood donors who had history of tooth extraction were 5.2 times more likely acquire hepatitis B virus infection than those who had no such history [AOR=5.2; 95% CI: 1.54-17.47].
Conclusion: This study found that blood donors had intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections. In addition, sharing sharp materials and tooth extraction were identified the most important risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection. Before donation, volunteers must be strictly screened and health education about its modes of transmission must be given.
