Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Blood Donors Aged 18–50 Years at ELWA Hospital from February to March 2025

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• Dedication
• Acronyms

Objectives and Key Themes

The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors aged 18-50 years at ELWA Hospital in Liberia. The findings are intended to improve blood safety, guide public health strategies, and support prevention efforts.

• Prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors.
• Identification of risk factors associated with HBV infection.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of HBV vaccination in preventing infection.
• Assessment of the association between beliefs about mandatory HBV screening and community support for prevention initiatives.
• Analysis of the relationship between participation in HBV prevention workshops and perceptions of HBV health campaigns.

Chapter Summaries

Abstract: This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors (aged 18-50) at ELWA Hospital in Liberia using a cross-sectional study design and multivariable logistic regression. A high prevalence of HBV infection (45.7%) was found. Significant risk factors included tattoos, family history of HBV, and previous blood transfusions, while HBV vaccination was associated with reduced risk. The model achieved good accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The results highlight the need for improved vaccination, regulated tattooing, and enhanced blood safety measures in Liberia.

Keywords

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), blood donors, prevalence, risk factors, logistic regression, blood safety, vaccination, Liberia, ELWA Hospital, public health, prevention.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main objective of the study?

The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors aged 18-50 years at ELWA Hospital in Liberia. The findings are intended to improve blood safety, guide public health strategies, and support prevention efforts.

What are the key themes of the study?

The key themes include:

• Prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors.
• Identification of risk factors associated with HBV infection.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of HBV vaccination in preventing infection.
• Assessment of the association between beliefs about mandatory HBV screening and community support for prevention initiatives.
• Analysis of the relationship between participation in HBV prevention workshops and perceptions of HBV health campaigns.

What is the study's abstract about?

The abstract describes a cross-sectional study conducted at ELWA Hospital in Liberia to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection among blood donors (aged 18-50). It highlights the high prevalence of HBV infection (45.7%) and identifies significant risk factors such as tattoos, family history of HBV, and previous blood transfusions. HBV vaccination was found to be associated with reduced risk. The study emphasizes the need for improved vaccination, regulated tattooing, and enhanced blood safety measures in Liberia.

What risk factors for HBV infection were identified in the study?

The study identified several significant risk factors for HBV infection, including:

• Tattoos
• Family history of HBV
• Previous blood transfusions

What protective factor was identified in the study?

HBV vaccination was found to be associated with a reduced risk of HBV infection.

What are the key words associated with this study?

The key words associated with this study are: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), blood donors, prevalence, risk factors, logistic regression, blood safety, vaccination, Liberia, ELWA Hospital, public health, prevention.

What elements are included in the table of contents?

The table of contents includes:

• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• Dedication
• Acronyms