Risk Factors of Transfusion Transmissible Infections among Blood Donors at Karongi Regional Centre for Blood Transfusion in Rwanda

BackgroundBlood transfusion saves human lives, but also it can be a route for Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (TTIs) including Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), C (HCV), and syphilis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with TTIs among blood donors at Regional Centre Blood Transfusion (RCBT) of Karongi, Rwanda.MethodsThis was retrospective cross-sectional design conducted 36,708 from 2015 2019. Data were extracted system known as eProgesaused outcome variable HBV, HCV HIV (measured using Enzyme Immuno-Assay/Chemiluminescence Immunoassay) syphilis (determined by Rapid Reagin Plasma). Descriptive statistics computed describe characteristics donors. Bivariate multivariable logistic regression performed assess TTIs. P value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsThe found that overall prevalence 2.1%, while prevalences HCV, HIV, 1.3%, 0.4%, 0.06%, 0.34%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed being male, age more 25 years, married, living in urban areas, first time Rusizi, Nyamasheke Karongi districts.ConclusionThis revealed most frequent TTI HBV main groups males, group 26-35 married Hence, developing health policies reduce effects infection on safe transfusion, these findings should taken into account.
 Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(2):143-153