Evaluation of Transfusion Transmissible Infections Prevalence and Trend Among Blood Donors Attended at Bule Hora Blood Bank, West Guji, South Ethiopia

Background: Transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) are among the greatest threats to blood safety for recipients and the economy of the developed and developing countries. Therefore, the study of the prevalence and trends of TTIs is important to assess for its prevention and control strategies.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and trend of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors at the Bule Hora Blood Bank, West Guji, Ethiopia, from 2019 to 2021.

Method: A retrospective study was conducted on all blood donors at the Bule Hora Blood Bank from 2019-2021. The data of 4193 blood donors were collected from the databank (logbook) of the blood bank using a checklist. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software, and the chi-square test was used to assess the association between independent variables and transfusion transmission infection. Different types of graphs, charts and tables were used to present the data. P values less than .05 were considered statistically significant.

Result: The overall transfusion transmissible infection among blood donors was 4.6% (192). Out of the tested blood donors, 86 (2.1%) were found to be seropositive for hepatitis B virus. The trend analysis showed that the positivity rates of the screened tests were 28 (4.72%) in 2019, decreased to 77 (4.26%) in 2020 and increased to 87 (4.86%) in 2021. The sex of blood donors was significantly associated with TTIs ( value = .021), and the positivity rates were significantly higher among male than female blood donors. The study results showed that overall seropositivity rates increased along the age groups of the donors.

Conclusion: The study reported a moderate prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors visiting the Bule hora blood bank. Health education about the transmission, prevention and create awareness of TTIs should be strengthened by the government and non-government organization.