Prevalence and Factors Associated with Blood Transfusion Transmissible Infections Among Blood Donors in the Western Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion–transmissible infections (BTTIs) such as HIV, HBV, HCV, and Treponema pallidum pose major public health challenges due to their prolonged viraemia and potential for latent carriage. This study evaluated the prevalence and associated factors of BTTIs among blood donors in selected hospitals in the Western Region of Ghana. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional study using records review conducted at four purposively selected hospitals in the Western Region of Ghana. The data from the blood donors' registers from 2020 to 2023 were extracted onto an extraction log created in Microsoft Excel 2021, cleaned, and analysed using STATA version 17.0 software. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the results were presented in tables and charts. A chi-square test, linear regression model, and logistic regression test model were used to determine the variations in trends among blood transfusion-transmissible infections and the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Results: A total of 16,049 donor records were reviewed; 92.1% were males, with a mean age of 29 ± 7.8 years. Blood group distribution was O (69.3%), A (15.0%), B (14.3%), and AB (1.4%). The overall prevalence of BTTIs was 13.15% (p ≤ 0.001), with HBV (5.58%) being most prevalent, followed by T. pallidum (4.69%), HCV (2.02%), and HIV (0.87%). The most frequent co-infection was HBV + T. pallidum (0.34%). Donors aged 20–29 years had higher odds of infection (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.37–2.03), with the likelihood increasing among those aged 50 years or older (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.39–3.26). Blood group O RhD-positive donors had the highest infection risk compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.001) Conclusion: HBV remains the predominant BTTI among blood donors in the Western Region of Ghana, followed by T. pallidum, HCV, and HIV. Age, sex, and ABO-RhD blood group were significantly associated with BTTI prevalence. Recommendations: The study recommends improving donor record-keeping and screening accuracy through the adoption of ELISA testing and structured referral systems for reactive donors. It also calls on the Western Regional Health Directorate to intensify public health education and strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems to enhance blood safety and infection control.