Abstract

Background and Objectives

Dangerous infections such as hepatitis B, C and HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of hepatitis B, C and HIV infections among Sabzevar blood donors based on demographic characteristics, during 2009-2013.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, required information including demographic characteristics and serologic test results (HBsAg, Anti-HCV, Anti-HIV) of all blood donors during 2009 to 2013 were extracted from records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) using SPSS software version 18.

Results

The total number of blood donors was 57335 people. Frequency rates of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV were 3, 0.2, and 0 per 1000, respectively. The highest and the lowest infection rates were in donors over 50 years and 21-30 years, respectively (7.1 and 2.1 per 1000). The infection frequency was higher in women than men (4.1 and 3.1 per 1000, respectively), and in married than singles (3.3 and 2.5 per 1000). Also, the infections frequency was higher in the first-time donors than regular and multi-time donors with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV rates of 11.4, 0.1, and 0.08 per 1000, respectively.

Conclusions 

The results show low levels of hepatitis B and C and the absence of HIV infections among Sabzevar blood donors. This indicates the effectiveness of screening methods, and thus the safety of blood products in Sabzevar.