frequency of hepatitis B and C among volunteer blood donors in Balochistan

ABSTRACT

In this cross-sectional study, the frequency of hepatitis B and C among volunteer blood donors in blood banks of Sandeman Provincial and Lady Duffren Hospitals, Quetta, Pakistan was estimated. 1474 blood donors were selected by convenient sampling. After obtaining informed consent, brief history and examination were done. They were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies in laboratory. The collected data analyzed by SPSS 12.0 and results shown in frequencies and percentages. Out of 1474 blood donors, 1284 [87.1%] were males and 190 [12.9%] were females. The mean age was 25 [range 16-49] years. 71 [4.8%] were positive for HBsAg [63 males and 8 females], 26 [1.8%] for anti-HCV [21 males and 5 females] and 4 [0.27%] were positive for both [3 males and 1 female]. Most of them belonged to ages 21-40 years. The frequency of hepatitis B is same as that of other part of the country contrary to the belief that Balochistan is a high prevalent region for hepatitis B as compare to the rest of the country, while the frequency of hepatitis C is less than expected. Health education and vaccination for hepatitis B should be encouraged and more vigilant efforts should be done