Donors with Positive Hepatitis B and C Infections and Their Demographic Characteristics, a Study in Jirof Blood Donation Center From 2011 to 2016

Blood-borne infections have always been concerns for the health system, as well as patients receiving blood products. In the present study, our aim was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infections in the blood units donated in Jiroft city, Kerman province, Iran, during a 5-year period (2011-2016). We also analyzed the demographic characteristics of donors.

This was a cross-sectional study. Records available in the blood center of Jiroft was used as the source for collecting the data required (i.e., demographic features, results of laboratory tests, etc.). SPSS software version 22 was used to analyze the data using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). The chi-square test was used to identify any association between categorical variables at a significant level of P<0.05.

The total number of blood donors was 36117. Hepatitis B and C frequencies were 3.3 and 0.44 per 1000, respectively. The highest infection rates were observed in 21-30-year-old donors. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C were higher among first-time, married, and male donors. Hepatitis B and C frequencies indicated a decreasing trend, reaching 2 and 0.4 per 1000 in 2016 from the initial 5.2 and 0.55 per 1000 in 2011, respectively. The results of the Chi-square statistical test showed that the difference in the number of people who had hepatitis in the period of 2011-2016 had a statistically significant decreasing trend (P<0.001).

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections in blood donors declined from 2011 to 2016. It is recommended to continue screening tests and educate donors to even lower blood-borne viral infections among Jiroft blood donors.