Seroprevalence of transfusion- transmissible infections by type and their distribution across gender in blood donors, a regional blood center study, Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution by gender of Transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) in blood donors. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Department of Community Medicine, G.M.C. Period: July 18, 2022 to November 18, 2022. Material & Methods: The data collecting tool was a structured proforma. A sample of 3329 was calculated with a 0.71% margin of error, a 95% confidence level, and an expected prevalence of TTIs of 4.61%. Consecutive non probability sampling technique used. Nominal variables were gender, type of donors, presence of TTIs and types of TTIs. Counts and percentages with 95% confidence intervals were used to describe the prevalence and distribution. Chi-square goodness of fit was used to compare expected values with observed values. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of sample of 3329, TTIs positive cases were 174 (5.22%) with 95% CI of 4.51- 5.93%. All the positive cases were males. The prevalence for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis, and Malaria was 2.2%, 0.9%, 0.3%, 1.9%, and 0.1% respectively. Our observed values for Hepatitis B&C, HIV and malaria were not statistically significantly different from expected values except for syphilis. Conclusion: Prevalence of TTIs was 5.22% with significantly higher prevalence of syphilis as compared to expected prevalence.