Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-Infection among Blood Donors in Kenyan Coastal Region

Purpose: Prospective studies on blood transfusion has shown that transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) has heralded a new era in blood transfusion practices worldwide. The blood transfusion practice emphasizes on two fundamental objectives: 1.) safety and 2.) Protection of human life. Infection with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global public health problem. In Africa and Asia, they remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a great concern in safety of blood and blood transfusion practices.Methodology: We estimated incidence and prevalence by age, sex, county, level of education and occupation with a wide range of updated and standardized analytical procedures. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Prevalence and incidence by cause and sequelae were determined through descriptive analysis, cause-effect and significance of relations through MANOVA, X2 and t-test, alternative modelling strategies for disease burden were determined from other data source. This study determined the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HIV-HBV Co-infection and factors associated with HIV- HBV co-infections among blood donors in Coastal region, Kenya. Four hundred and twenty respondents participated in the study. Donors were divided into six age groups, and age range was from 15 to 64 years, of which 71% (298) were male and 29% (122) female. Results: The study showed prevalence of 3.1% and 1.43% for HBV and HIV respectively among the blood donors.Policy recommendation: A targeted awareness and education for males on HIV, HBV prevention should be protracted to increase blood safety. Promoting the culture of voluntary donors, recruitment of female blood donors and proper testing of donor's blood by using standard methods are recommended.