Prevalence and geographical distribution of Hepatitis C among blood donors in Rwanda: secondary data analysis of National Center for Blood Transfusion, 2018

Abstract

Background Infection with Hepatitis C Virus is one of the primary health concerns in developing countries. About 3% of the population in the world is infected with the virus, and 71 million, which is 1% of the global population are chronically infected. The rate of infection in Sub-Saharan regions is a bit higher. In Rwanda, the current HCV prevalence is estimated to be 4-5% among the general population. The main of the study was to assess the prevalence and socio demographic factors associated with HCV and his geographical distribution among blood donors in Rwanda. Methods A total of 44,520 tested and recorded Blood donors from January to December20 referring to 5 regional for blood transfusion centers were reviewed.Bivariate and multivariable models were used in assessing potential HCV infection association. Other variables used in bivariate analysis were to be included in the multivariate regression model on the condition that their inclusion was theoretically logical. A P-value < 0.05 produced a final model in determining an independent link among variables and HCV infection was used to remove insignificant variables through the backward stepwise technique. Results HCV prevalence among Blood donors was 2.5% .high prevalence rate was recored in five districts: Ngoma 5.8%, Nyanza 5.2%, Bugesera 4.8%, Ruhango 4.2%, and Kayonza 4.7% .age between 31-40 years [aOR = 1.264, 95%CI: (1.086-1.471) and 41-50 years [aOR = 1.250, 95%CI: (1.028-1.520)were associated with high HCV infection compared to those in the age category of 18 – 30. Burera OR=7.324, CI: (74.21112.740),GakenkeOR=8.876 CI4.(593-17.153), and Ngororero OR=7.099 CI(3.769-13.372) districts were more likely associated with HCV compared to Musanze district Conclusion: The prevalence late of HCV among Blood donors was 2.5% the prevalence rate increased with increase in age (31-50). Blood donors from southern and Eastern province had a high prevalence rate of HCV, and donors whose blood groups were O-,A+ and B- were more likely associated with HCV compared to those with A- . Blood donors who lived in Burera, GakenkeNyamasheke, Kamonyi, and Ngororero districts were founded significantly associated with HCV infection compared to those who lived in Musanze District