Prevalence, Knowledge and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections among Voluntary Blood Donors in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Kwarula, Musavini Geoffrey
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Hepatitis disease is caused by hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) viruses. The two viruses are a problem to public health in countries that are developing. Voluntary blood donation and blood transfusion are procedures that save millions of lives. However, transfusion can put millions of recipients to risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection if blood and blood products do not meet safety and quality standards. The risk ratio of infection by hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses which occur through blood transfusion remain to be a challenge in Sub Saharan Africa. Risk ratio is estimated to be 2.5 and 4.3 respectively in every 1000 units of blood transfused. Fewer studies on HBV and HCV prevalence among blood donors have been carried out compared to studies of infection in pregnant mothers and among drug users. There are limited documented information and studies about hepatitis C and hepatitis B risks and knowledge among blood donors in Kenya due to a belief that blood donors are heathy individuals. Regular surveillance at National and county generate data which when analysed provide information on the current prevalence status and risks and also used to educate the public to prevent further infection. Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service in its annual report of 2015 recorded an increase in hepatitis B and hepatitis C from 1% to 1.5% among voluntary blood donors. The study was conducted from March 2017 to June 2017 at Regional Blood Transfusion Center in Nairobi County. Ethical approval and research permit were issued by KUERC and NACOSTI. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, knowledge and risk factors of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection among voluntary blood donors. This was a descriptive cross sectional study design adopting purposeful sampling technique, where every sixth voluntary blood donor was enrolled. A questionnaire was used to collect data on risks and knowledge about HBV and HCV. Six milliliters (ml) venous blood sample was drawn from 384 participants for screening and results used to establish the prevalence of HBV and HCV. Chemiluminescent (architect 2000i) micro particle immunoassay technology was used to determine presence of HBsAg and anti-hepatitis C in serum. Polymerase chain reaction was used as a Confirmatory for all reactive HCV samples at HIV reference laboratory. Demographic characteristics were analysed using percentages, variables and Chi Square. Two hundred and fifty (65.1%) males 134 (34.9%) female voluntary blood donors (VBD) were enrolled into this study. Prevalence, knowledge and risk factors were analyzed using Chi square and percentage and presented inform of tables. Majority 68.2% voluntary blood donors were aged 18-25 years while 31.8% were from other groups. Out of 384 samples screened 4 (1.0 %) were reactive to hepatitis B (χ2=9.88, df =2, P = 0.007) at 95% confident interval. Infection of HCV was insignificant χ2=1.871, df=1, P=0.349). Majority, 64% and 71% of the participants lacked the requisite knowledge about hepatitis B and HCV respectively. In conclusion seroprevalence for HBV (1.0%) and HCV (0.3%) as observed is low among blood donors suggesting low residual risk for transmission of blood borne infection. Set up mechanism for data collection and information management and encourage repeat blood donors
Description
A Thesis submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Infectious Diseases of School of Medicine of Kenyatta University, March, 2021
Keywords
Prevalence, Knowledge, Risk Factors, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Infections, Voluntary Blood Donors, Nairobi City County, Kenya