The study aimed to assessed the "Prevalence and Risk factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors aged 18-50 years at ELWA Hospital". This study is significant because the findings will help improve blood safety, guide public health strategies, and support prevention efforts. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 blood donors. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine independent predictors of HBV infection. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
The Findings revealed that the prevalence of HBV infection was 45.7%. Males represented 73% of the sample, with the highest proportion of donors aged 26–35 years. Risk factors for HBV infection included a history of tattoos (AOR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.24–4.32), family history of HBV (AOR=2.18, 95% CI: 1.16–4.09), and previous blood transfusions (AOR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.34–5.25). In contrast, HBV vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of infection (AOR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.22–0.87). Healthcare workers were also at higher risk (AOR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.01–3.81). Education level, age, marital status, and alcohol use were not significantly associated with HBV infection. The logistic regression model demonstrated an accuracy of 85%, sensitivity of 79%, and specificity of 91%. The findings also suggest that individuals who believe in the importance of mandatory HBV screening for blood donors are significantly more likely to support initiatives aimed at preventing HBV transmission in the community and participation in HBV prevention workshops appears to be strongly associated with more favorable perceptions of HBV health campaigns.
Table of Contents
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Delimitation of the study
1.5 Limitation of the study
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Definition of Key Terms
1.8 Organization of the study
2.1 Risk Factors of HBV Infection among Blood donors
2.2 Global Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus among Blood Donors
2.3 Regional Prospective of HBV Prevalence amongst Blood Donors
2.4 Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus(HBV) among Voluntary Blood Donors in Liberia
2.5 Strategies for Global Elimination of Chronic HBV Infection
2.6 Laboratory diagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus
2.7 Management and Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Research Population
3.3 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
3.4 Data Collection Instruments
3.5 Data Collection Procedures
3.6 Data Analysis Procedures
4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis
4.2 Findings
4.3 Discussion of Findings
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
Objectives and Research Themes
This study aims to assess the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors aged 18-50 years at ELWA Hospital, providing a comprehensive analysis to improve blood safety and public health strategies in Liberia.
- Prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors in the specified demographic.
- Identification of behavioral, clinical, and socioeconomic risk factors.
- Evaluation of vaccination impact and preventive behaviors.
- Assessment of the link between mandatory screening beliefs and support for prevention initiatives.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the study
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant public health concern globally, affecting millions of people and posing risks, particularly among blood donors aged 18-50 years. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with HBV infection in this population is crucial for blood safety and public health efforts. HBV infection is endemic in many regions, with varying prevalence rates among blood donors aged 18-50 years. According to the World Health Organization an estimated 257 million people were living with chronic HBV infection worldwide (WHO 2022).
The prevalence of HBV among blood donors is influenced by several factors such as Geographic Variation, where regions with high endemicity, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, report higher prevalence rates among blood donors. For example, a study in Nigeria reported a prevalence of 13.5% among blood donors aged 18-50 years (Ejele et al., 2016). Socioeconomic Factors which have limited access to healthcare, and poor infection control practices contribute to higher transmission rates among blood donors in resource-limited settings (Tong et al., 2018). Healthcare Infrastructure which constitute the availability of screening tests, vaccination programs, and blood safety protocols significantly impacts HBV prevalence among blood donors. Countries with robust healthcare systems generally have lower prevalence rates due to effective prevention and control measures (Meena et al., 2020).
Sub-Saharan Africa bears a high burden of HBV infection, with prevalence rates among blood donors ranging from 6% to 26% in different countries (Noubiap et al., 2019). Factors contributing to high prevalence include Limited access to healthcare services and HBV screening tests, inadequate blood safety measures in some healthcare facilities and Cultural practices that may facilitate HBV transmission. For instance, a study in Cameroon found a prevalence of 10.9% among blood donors aged 18-50 years, highlighting the significant burden of HBV in this region (Noubiap et al., 2019).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: Outlines the public health significance of HBV, the specific problem statement regarding blood safety, and the defined research questions for the study.
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: Provides a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge on risk factors, global and regional epidemiology, and current strategies for HBV elimination.
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the quantitative, cross-sectional design, sampling methods, data collection tools, and statistical analysis procedures used.
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION: Presents the statistical findings from the survey, including demographic data and the results of the binary logistic regression analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY/ CONCLUSION/ RECOMMENDATION: Synthesizes the core findings, concludes on the high prevalence and risk predictors, and offers practical recommendations for healthcare policy.
Keywords
Hepatitis B Virus, HBV, Blood Donors, ELWA Hospital, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Binary Logistic Regression, Public Health, Vaccination, Liberia, Blood Safety, Infection Control, Seroprevalence, Epidemiology, Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this study?
The study examines the prevalence and the specific risk factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors aged 18-50 years at ELWA Hospital in Liberia.
What are the key thematic areas addressed in this research?
The research covers demographic profiles of donors, behavioral risk factors like tattooing, medical history including past blood transfusions, and the efficacy of vaccination and awareness campaigns.
What is the primary research objective?
The primary objective is to understand the prevalence rates and identify independent predictors of HBV infection to guide evidence-based public health interventions and improve blood safety protocols.
Which scientific method was employed?
The study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design, collecting data through structured questionnaires and applying multivariable binary logistic regression to determine risk associations.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The body covers a comprehensive review of literature, the methodological framework, the detailed presentation of statistical data, and a robust discussion of the findings in the context of existing literature.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), blood donors, prevalence, risk factors, binary logistic regression, vaccination, Liberia, and blood safety.
How does tattoo history impact HBV risk?
The findings indicate that individuals with a history of tattoos have a significantly higher risk of HBV infection, likely due to the use of non-sterile equipment in unregulated settings.
Why is this study important for ELWA Hospital?
It identifies specific predictors of infection within their donor pool, underscoring the necessity for targeted screening, enhanced vaccination programs, and better infection control measures.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Peterlyne Kpaahkpai (Autor:in), 2025, Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Blood Donors Aged 18–50 Years at ELWA Hospital from February to March 2025, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1602502
