Trends in Voluntary and Replacement Blood Donors: Seroprevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections in Malakand Division, 2021–2024
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trends in voluntary non-remunerated blood donors (VNRBD) versus replacement donors, and to investigate the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) among healthy blood donors in Malakand Division, Pakistan. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Health, Regional Blood Centre, Central Hospital Saidu Sharif, Swat, Pakistan, from 2021 to 2024. METHODOLOGY: This study analysed trends in VNRBD and replacement donors, along with the seroprevalence of TTIs (HCV, HBV, HIV, and Syphilis) using automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The Chi-square test in R-Studio was conducted to analyse trends in blood donor categories and TTIs over the four years. RESULTS: A total of 94,716 healthy blood donors were screened during the study period. Male donors dominated both categories, with 80,105 (84.57%) in replacement and 14,526 (15.34%) in voluntary donations. Female participation remained minimal, with only 27 (0.03%) in replacement and 58 (0.06%) in voluntary donations. Most donors were in the age range of 18-33 years, totalling 71,107 (75.1%). Statistically significant changes (p <0.001) in voluntary and replacement donation trends were confirmed by the Chi-square test. A total of 2,292 (2.42%) TTIs were detected, including 873 (0.92%) cases of HCV, 637 (0.67%) cases of HBV, 220 (0.23%) cases of HIV, and 562 (0.59%) cases of syphilis. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a 2.42% TTIs prevalence among 94,716 donors, with male dominance (84.57%) and low female participation (0.03%). Syphilis and HIV cases increased in 2024 (p <0.001), highlighting the need for targeted blood donation campaigns and improved screening to reduce TTIs in Pakistan. KEY WORDS: Voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, Replacement blood donation, Transfusion-transmitted infections, HCV, HBV, HIV, Syphilis.
Authors: Syed Muzammil Shah, Sultan Ahmad, Noor Elahi, Muhammad Tariq, Shahid Alam, Tahir Shah
Institution: Saidu Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414980084