Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Among Blood Donors in a Regional Hospital in Ghana: A 6-Year Trend Analysis (2017-2022).

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study determined the trends of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) among blood donors in a regional hospital in Ghana from 2017 to 2022. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 6339 blood donor records. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17.0 at the 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: The prevalence of TTIs was 31.4% in 2017, 13.8% in 2018, 20.4% in 2019, 9.5% in 2020, 9.6% in 2021, and 11.7% in 2022. There were significant associations between hepatitis C virus (HCV), Syphilis, and sex (OR = 2.06; 95% CI [1.29-3.30]; P = .003) and (OR = 2.28; 95% CI [1.48-3.54]; P < .001), respectively. Blood donors aged 20-29 were more likely to be infected with hepatitis B virus (OR = 1.96; 95% CI [1.28-2.99]; P = .002). Blood donors aged 40-49 had higher odds of infection with HCV (OR = 3.36; 95% CI [2.02-5.57]; P < .001) and Syphilis (OR = 3.79; 95% CI [2.45-5.87]; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need to implement targeted prevention strategies for donors with a higher TTI prevalence.

Trends in transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in a Regional Hospital in Ghana 2017 to 2022BackgroundDespite efforts to enhance the safety of the blood supply, transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) continue to pose a significant problem. This study determined the trends of TTIs among blood donors in a Regional Hospital in Ghana from 2017 to 2022.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the records of 6,339 blood donors to determine the presence of anti- human immunodeficiency virus 1/2 IgG/IgM, hepatitis B virus (HBV), anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) IgG/IgM, and anti-Treponema pallidum IgG/IgM/IgA. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17.0. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsOf the 6339 blood donors, 16.1% showed serological evidence of at least one TTI. The trend analysis showed that the prevalence rates of TTIs were 31.4% in 2017, 13.8% in 2018, 20.4% in 2019, decreased to 9.5% in 2020, 9.6% in 2021 and increased to 11.7% in 2022. TTIs were dominant among male blood donors compared to female blood donors. There was a significant association between HCV, Syphilis, and sex (aOR = 2.06; 95% CI [0.59-1.73]; P = .003) and (aOR = 2.28; 95% CI [0.15-0.69]; P < .001) respectively. Donors aged 20 to 29 were more likely to be infected with HBV (aOR = 1.96; 95%CI [1.28-2.99]; P = .002). Also, donors aged 40 to 49 years were more likely to be infected with HCV and Syphilis (aOR = 3.36; 95% CI [2.02-5.57]; P < .001) and (aOR = 3.79; 95% CI [2.45-5.87]; P < .001) respectively.ConclusionThe study identified a high overall prevalence of TTIs, highlighting the need to encourage female donor participation, raise awareness among young adults about safe practices, and implement targeted prevention strategies for males with a higher TTI prevalence.