Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors attending selected hospitals in Kaduna State

Usman, Aisha; Kuta, Faruk Adamu; Saidu, Talatu Bosso; Shittu, Oluwatosin Kudirat

doi:10.21608/mid.2024.254240.1705

Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors attending selected hospitals in Kaduna State

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna Nigeria

² Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

³ Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

10.21608/mid.2024.254240.1705

Abstract

Background: Screening of blood for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is vital in preventing the transmission of HCV infection from blood donors to recipients. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of HCV infection among donors in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to the consenting blood donors to assess their level HCV infection awareness as well as obtain information on demographic and risk factors associated with HCV infection. Blood samples were aseptically collected from 600 blood donors through the venous puncture. HCV Antibody ELISA kit was used to screen the samples for HCV antibody. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection among blood donors in Kaduna State was observed to be 4.67%. Highest seroprevalence of HCV infection was observed among blood donors with in the age group of 50 – 57 years while blood donors aged 58 - 65 years had the least seroprevalence of HCV infection. Male blood donors had higher seroprevalence of HCV infection (5.18%) compared to female blood donors (2.04%). Seroprevalence of HCV infection was significantly associated with marital status, family type of the blood donors and awareness of hepatitis C status. Previous history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) was identified as risk factor statistically associated with HCV infection among the blood donors screened. Conclusion: In this study, 4.67% of blood donors have been infected with hepatitis C virus. Seroprevalence of HCV infection was higher among male donors.

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