Prevalence and Distributions of Hepatitis B Infection among Blood Donors at Saint Joseph Hospital, Monrovia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant transfusion-transmissible infection, posing a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the socio-demographic profile of blood donors is essential to ensure blood safety and guide targeted interventions. Objective: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics of blood donors at Saint Joseph Hospital, Monrovia, and determine the prevalence and risk factors of HBV infection from January to December 2024. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among voluntary blood donors. Socio-demographic data, including age, sex, education level, and occupation, were collected via structured questionnaires. Blood samples were screened for HBV using standard serological methods. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize donor characteristics, and HBV prevalence was calculated monthly. Results: A total of 1,574 blood donors were screened from January to December 2024, with 1,446 (91.8%) qualifying for donation. Male donors predominated, ranging from 59 (94%) in January to 138 (92%) in December, while females accounted for 4 (6.3%) to 12 (8%). The majority of donors were aged 18–35 years (67–71%), followed by 36–45 years (25–39%) and 46–60 years (6–21%). Most donors had secondary education or higher (69–79%). Employed donors accounted for 55–71%, self-employed 19–27%, and students 8–18%. HBV prevalence among tested donors increased over the year, starting at 14.3% in January (1/7), rising to 35.7% in June and October (5/14), and peaking at 37.5% in December (6/16). Key risk factors identified included unsafe medical practices, multiple sexual partners, and exposure to unsterilized needles, with unsafe medical practices reaching 46.7% in December. Conclusion: Blood donors at Saint Joseph Hospital are predominantly young, male, educated, and employed. Despite these favorable demographics, HBV prevalence is high and increasing, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened screening, behavioral interventions, and targeted public health education to reduce transfusion-transmitted infections.