Abstract

 Background and Objectives

  Blood transmitted infections have always made problems in the use of blood and blood products. In this study, the prevalence of hepatitis B, C and HIV and relevant factors were evaluated among regular and non-regular donors in Arak Blood Center in the first six months of the year 1383 (2004).

  Materials and Methods

  11615 donors of Arak Blood Transfusion Center were selected. The required data were gathered by reviewing donor forms. Finaly, the subjects divided into regular and non-reguler donors according to demographic properties were compared. Results were analyzed based on Fisher Exact Test and Logistic Regression in spss software.

 Results

  40% of donors were regular and 60% non-regular. According to confirmed tests, prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV were 0.68% , 0.2% and 0% in blood donors. These fiqures were 0.1%, 0.02% and 0% in regular donors and 0.05%, 0.45% and 0% in non-regular donors respectively. 1.4% of all blood donations were discarded for being positive in Elisa tests this rate is 111 times higher among non-regular donors. In this study viral infections in non-regular donors had more prevalence (p<0.0001) prevalence of these infections in regular donors was higher among men and lower in employees (p<0.05) as tested by Elisa. The results for both groups of subjects were higher in mobile units (p<0.05). Prevalence of infections was lower among non-regular donors as appeared in confirmed tests in subjects with bachelor degree or higher (p<0.05).

 Conclusions

  Prevalence of viral infections among regular donors was much lower than non-regular donors. Proper awareness-raising of donors about viral diseases, criteria for blood donation, appropriate behavior for blood donation in order to promote regular donation are ways to decrease viral infections.

 Key words: Prevalence, HIV, HCV, HBV