Prevalence and Risk factors of HBV infection among blood donors attending selected Hospitals in Sokoto metropolis Sokoto State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) remains a significant global health burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Blood borne infections, including HBV pose a significant hurdle to safe transfusions, especially in HBV-endemic regions like Nigeria despite widespread vaccination efforts. This study aimed to Detect and determine the prevalence and distribution of HBV Infections as well as Determine risk factors associated with the prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors attending selected hospitals. A total of 347 blood samples were collected from blood donors in UDUT Hospital (UDUTH), Specialist Hospital Sokoto (SHS), Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital (MAWC) and Women Children Welfare Clinic (WCWC), comprising males and females aged between 18-60 years. Hepatitis B surface antigen was tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Prevalence of 10.7% was obtained. Blood Transfusion, Intravenous Drug Abuse, Use of Sharp object and Vaccine status shows significant impact on HBV positivity, which strengthen the need for more rigorous screening and public health interventions.