THE DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HBV AND HCV POSITIVE BLOOD DONORS

Objective: To find out the demographic and clinical characteristics of HBV and HCV positive blood donors. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in blood bank of Naseer Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from June 2012 to June 2014. Total number of HBsAg and anti-HCV positive blood donors included in the study were 203. A detailed history and clinical examination was performed in each case. Serological assessment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C was carried out through ELISA. Results: Total number of HBsAg and anti-HCV positive blood donors included in the study were 203. Out of 203 pa- tients, 105 (51.72%) were HBsAg positive and 98 (48.27%) were anti-HCV positive. The age of study group ranged from 18-60 years. Among HBsAg positive blood donors, 88.57% gave history of injections. Among anti-HCV positive blood donors 84.69% gave history of injections and 35.71% used to shave by barbers. Conclusion: Risk factors for the spread of HBV and HCV infections are common in our people and there is a need for health education on a mass level.