Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Infection Among Blood Donors in the Western Zone of Tanzania

Abstract

Background In the western zone of Tanzania, there is limited information for the prevalence of hepatitis B infection. In this study, we analyzed the dataset of blood donors to determine seroprevalence and socio-demographic factors related to Hepatitis B Virus infection among blood donors in the western regions of Tanzania. Material and Methods The study was a cross-sectional retrospective hospital-based. Data were retrieved from blood donor dataset given at the Zonal Blood Transfusion Center. Information analyzed from the dataset includes reported Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs) including Hepatitis B, donor demographics, donor status, donor type, donation place, and the year of donation. This study focused on five years period from January 2018 to December 2022. The seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were determined, and the univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to determine association between infection and demographic risk factors under STATA version 15.1. Results A total of 9604 retrospective blood donors were screened. Majority (93.3%) were men, and most were under 45 years (89.6%). The overall, seroprevalence for HBsAg was 6.9% (661) in this study, with Katavi (7.8%) being relatively high in the study area. The highest HBsAg seroprevalence of 8.2%, was found to be in age group range of 35 to 44 years. In addition, Polygamist 9.5%, and drivers at 17.1% were shown to have relatively high seroprevalence in this case. Using multivariate analysis, the results indicate blood donors who were drivers (OR 5.44, 95% CI; 2.43 12.20, p < 0.001), and the first-time donors (OR 5.19, 95% CI 2.56 = 10.52, P 4 < 0.001), were highly associated with an increased chance of hepatitis B infection. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that; there is a high seroprevalence of HBV in western regions. These findings bring to the attention of more advocacy for HBV immunization for all persons at high risk, as it is the most effective way to prevent HBV infection.