Blood Borne Viral Hepatitis Among Blood Donors in Amran Governorate, Yemen

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and associated risk factors among blood donors in Amran governorate. All samples from a blood bank in Amran, Yemen, 953 were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs-Ag) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. Data were collected by questionnaires with blood samples. Of the 953 participants, 61 (6.4%) were positive for HBs-Ag and 6 (0.63%) for anti-HCV. In multivariate analysis, history of: cupping (RR = 5.2), parenteral injury (RR = 2.5), history of family jaundice (RR = 1.84), visit dentists (RR = 1.5), surgery (RR = 1.2) and blood transfusion (RR = 1.1) were significantly associated with being positive for HBs-Ag. Those with a history of cupping (RR=1.45), visit to dentists and history of family jaundice (RR = 1.1) were significantly likely to be positive for anti-HCV positivity. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among blood donors in Amran governorate is still high compared to many other governorates of Yemen.