Determinants of blood transfusion-transmitted infections in donated blood

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusions which save lives through their essential function bring infection risks to users especially in areas with limited medical resources. OBJECTIVE: The research study aimed to determine the main factors that cause blood transfusion-transmitted infections in donated blood. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among voluntary blood donors. Blood tests were conducted on samples from the study to detect common transfusion-transmitted infections which included Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HCV) HIV Syphilis and Malaria. Data on demographic characteristics and health history information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify the risk factors for association with TTI. RESULTS: The study discovered that TTIs exist in low levels because they found Hepatitis B in 1.85% of samples and Malaria in 2.78% of samples. The study identified three main risk factors which led to transfusion infections through previous surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1), multiple blood donations (OR = 1.8), and unscreened donor history (OR = 3.4). The research identified three main factors which determine blood transfusion infection risk. CONCLUSION: The implementation of better donor screening processes together with educational programs and infection control strategies will effectively decrease the risk associated with transfusions. CLINICAL TRIAL: N/A.