PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS AMONG BLOOD DONRS IN HARGEISA GROUP HOSPITAL CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY, HARGEISA, SOMALILAND

In this retrospective study, the risk factors and prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors in Hargeisa Group Hospital were studied. 910 blood donor records were filtered for demographic data, HBV status, donation history, and associated risk factors. The analysis revealed that hospital blood donation was predominantly male (899 males, 11 females) with a majority being between the ages of 20 and 35 years. The highest proportion of donors were from urban residences (894) compared to rural donors who were few (16). Prevalence of HBV in the target population was extremely low with one of the donors being positive (0.1%). The information also indicated that most of the donations were family or replacement donors rather than voluntary, altruistic donors. A large number of participants (255) donated blood only once, with some repeated donation evidenced, suggesting healthy participation. Nearly all participants (99.9%) had a previous history of donating blood. The study provides several recommendations for more participation and safety of donors, including increasing female and rural donor involvement, promotion of voluntary donation, continuation of HBV screening practices, and developing strategies to retain and reward repeat donors. These steps will enhance the blood supply system and transfusion security in Hargeisa