Demographic Determinants and Trends in Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Healthy Blood Donors

Background: Hepatitis C virus is now widely recognized as one of the common etiological agents for cirrhosis of liver. The prevention and control of HCV infection shows complexity and challenge in describing geographic distribution of HCV infection and determining its associated risk factors. This study aims to provide a data on the demographic characteristics that determine the risk for HCV infection among blood donors, so as to help make prevention strategies and guide further research. Objective: 1. To determine the prevalence rate of HCV antibodies in replacement and voluntary blood donors. 2. To study the demographic determinants among HCV sero-positive donors Methodology: A total of 3099 blood units collected during 2012 were mandatorily screened for HCV infection using third generation Microlisa. A retrospective data analysis was done on the healthy blood donors and information collected on demographic variables. Results: Out of the total 3099 donors, 58.7% (1819) were replacement donors and 41.3% (1280) were voluntary donors. The overall sero-prevalence of HCV was 0.35% among the donors. The prevalence showed a declining trend. The significant demographic determinants were age, gender and educational status of donor. Conclusion: Awareness and education of the community to increase voluntary blood donation as they form a safe source of blood supply. Identification of determinants may help to curtail the spread of HCV infection in the population. There is a need for more stringent donor selection criteria based on the determinants in addition for a safer blood supply from blood banks.