PloS one
Seroprevalence and trends of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Volta Region, Ghana: A four-year retrospective study
By Ayanku S, Hanu EK, Akuba L and 6 others.
Abstract
Background
Blood transfusion is a life-saving intervention; however, transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis remain major public health concerns, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the seroprevalence and temporal trends of TTIs among blood donors in the Volta Region of Ghana and to identify the demographic factors associated with seropositivity.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from blood donors at Ho Teaching Hospital and Hohoe Regional Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Data from 6,147 eligible donors were extracted and analyzed using STATA version 17. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence, while chi-square or Fisher's exact tests assessed associations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with TTI seropositivity at a 5% significance level.