Volume 6, Issue 5, May – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Attitude of Blood Donors towards Hepatitis B Virus

Risk Behaviour in Ikenne Local Government Area,
Ogun State, Nigeria
ADEYEMO, Oluwatosin Funso1, BETIKU Anthony1.2, AKIN Akinbola1.3, and OLUGASA Babasola .O. (PhD)1.4
1
Department of Public Health, School of Public and Allied Health, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
2
Department of Surgery, Babcock University Teaching Hospital Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
3
Department of Community Medicine, Babcock University Teaching Hospital Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
4
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo
State, Nigeria.

Abstract:- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a I. INTRODUCTION

major global health concern, responsible for estimated
500,000 to 1.2 million human deaths each year. The Hepatitis B virus is one of the major health problems
clinical manifestations of HBV-related deaths usually globally resulting in enormous burden on healthcare systems
arise after chronic-hepatitis includes liver cirrhosis and and patient’s misery (Apata et al., 2014). Infection with
hepatocellular carcinoma. The transfusion of blood is a Hepatitis B virus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality
critical risk point for inadvertent transmission of globally, primarily because of the sequelae of chronic liver
Hepatitis B virus at emergency healthcare points. This disease including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
poses a significant public health challenge especially in The disease has caused epidemics in parts of Africa, and it is
developing countries. The impact of this challenge in of endemic in China (Okwesili, Usman et al., 2014).
Ikenne Local Government area is yet to be estimated. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention
This study was designed to assess the level of attitude of (CDC) Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is present in the blood,
blood donors in the four major towns in Ikenne Local blood products, and body fluids such as vaginal secretions,
Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. semen and in low concentration in the saliva of carriers
(Kobah, Okpara et al., 2016). Blood transfusion remains a
A questionnaire survey enlisted 143 blood donors at substantial source of Hepatitis B virus infection in sub-
selected blood banks in Ikenne, Ilishan, Iperu and Irolu Saharan Africa.
towns in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State,
from February 4th to March 24th, 2021. Data collected Although blood transfusion is arguably one of the
were summarized using descriptive and correlation test wonders of modern medicine but not without its own
statistics. Some 120 (93.9%) of the respondents were 18- shortfall, as it has been implicated in the transmission of
34 years old. Unpaid donors accounted for 102 (78%) of infectious diseases including Hepatitis B virus. Since it
the respondents. There (2.8%) of the respondents were poses a significant challenge to blood safety globally and
confirmed positive for Hepatitis B virus before. Some especially in sub-Saharan Africa (Walan, Hokey, et al.,
113 (86.9%) agreed that people should freely go for 2014), there is a need to assess the attitude and compliance
laboratory screening. Two-third 82 (63.1%) of the of prospective blood donors in Ikenne Local Government
respondents indicated they knew where to get screened. Area towards Hepatitis B virus. This is more so important
because the infection may go unnoticed over a relatively
The mean ± standard deviation of attitude of long period. As a result, blood borne transmission from
respondents was 4.207 ± 0.859, while a weak positive asymptomatic donors with acute HBV infections who have
correlation was found between respondents’ Attitude undetectable surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg), especially
and their risk behaviour (R = 0.225; P = < 0.010). donors in their sub-clinical window period, or from donors
with chronic HBV infections in whose serological markers
Blood donors previously screened for the virus in were not detected, sometimes cause residual infections
general had better behavioural attitude that were leading to Relevant Transfusion Transmitted Infections
compliant with Hepatitis B prevention, compared with (RTTIs).
previously unscreened individuals who exhibited high
risk behaviour to the virus. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of
positive blood donors for Hepatitis B virus in Ikenne LGA,
Keywords:- Knowledge, HBV (Hepatitis B virus), Ikenne and how their level of understanding about the disease risk
Local Government Area. behaviour influence their attitudes and compliance with
standard preventive practiced.

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Volume 6, Issue 5, May – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS Attitude was significantly related to Life-style
practices.
The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. The
primary population of the study was drawn from blood R = 0.225 shows that there was a weak positive correlation
donors in four towns of Ikenne Local Government Area of between attitude and life-style.
Ogun State. A total enumeration method was utilized in P –value = 0.010 shows that attitude contributed to 22.5%
enlisting participants into the study. The respondents were change in the pattern of life-style practices.
approached at the point of donation. Participants eligible for
this study were blood donors who were present, available Table 1 Socio-demographic Characteristic of the
and willing to participate. Blood donors who were out of the Respondents
age range of WHO criteria for blood donation, nursing Variable Frequency Percentage
mother, indispose, menstruating females, pregnant women (n=130) (%)
etc will not be eligible for this study. Data collection was Age (years)
carried out for about four weeks using the interviewer 18-30 86 66.2
administration approach, it was done with 4 recruited 31-43 34 27.7
research assistants and this will allow for simultaneous 44-56 7 5.4
collection of data. Quantitative data collected was coded and 57-65 1 0.8
entered into the computer through IBM SPSS version 27. Marital Status
The data was subjected to descriptive (mean, standard Single 87 66.9
deviation) and correlation analysis. This was guided by the Married 43 33.1
research questions. Statistical significant level was set at p ≤ Religion
0.05. Christian 106 81.5
Islam 20 15.4
Ethical clearance was obtained from the Babcock Others 4 3.1
University Health Research Ethics Committee (BUHREC). Educational Level
No formal education 2 1.5
III. RESULTS Primary 3 2.3
Secondary 30 23.1
A total of one hundred and thirty instruments were Tertiary 95 73.1
distributed to blood donors in the Local Government Area Ethnicity
(LGA). Yoruba 65 50.0
Igbo 38 29.2
One hundred and thirty blood donors were recruited to Hausa 11 8.5
participate in the study. The response rate after the Others 16 12.3
questionnaires were retrieved was 98.7%. Employment Status
Employed 51 39.2
Majority 120 (93.9%) of respondents were aged Self-employed 35 26.9
between 18 and 34 years, about two-third (66.9%) of the Schooling 39 30
respondents were single, 81.5% were Christians while 90 Unemployed 5 3.8
(73.1%) of the respondents had up to tertiary education. Monthly Income
50.0% of the respondents where Yoruba and 51 (39.2%) Less than 20,000 32 24.6
were employed. 102 (78%) of the respondents were not paid 20,000-50,000 57 3.8
donors. 3 (2.8%) of the respondents were confirmed to be 50,000-100,000 21 16.2
positive for Hepatitis B virus. Above 100,000 20 15.4
Are you a paid donor
The analysis of data on attitude of the respondents’ Yes 28 21.5
about exposure to Hepatitis B virus shows that 90 (69.2%) No 102 78.5
respondents’ were sexually active, about (62.3%) had sexual Are you Hepatitis B Positive?
contact in the last six-months. Only 18 (13.8%) of the Yes 3 2.8
respondents’ had more than one sexual partner. Talking of No 127 97.2
exposure related to clinical and surgical procedures, 124
(95.4%) asserted they had not in the past 12 months received
The majority120 (93.9%) of respondents were aged
blood transfusion, treatment with human or animal products.
between 18 and 34years while only 8 (6.1%) of the
respondents were between 44-65 years. About two-third
The attitude of the respondents’ shows that 51 (39.2%)
(66.9%) of the respondents were single, 81.5% were
had a good attitude of Hepatitis B virus while 79 (60.8%)
Christians while 90 (73.1%) of the respondents had up to
had a poor attitude about Hepatitis B virus. The mean ±
tertiary education. In addition, 50.0% of the respondents
standard deviation of the attitude of the respondents’ was
were Yoruba and 51 (39.2%) were employed. 57 (43.8%) of
4.207 ± 0.859.
the respondents had their monthly income between #20,000-
#50,000, while 102 (78%) of the respondents were not paid

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Volume 6, Issue 5, May – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
donors. 3 (2.8%) of the respondents were confirmed to be The analysis of data on attitude of the respondents
positive for Hepatitis B virus. about exposure to Hepatitis B virus:

IV. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS Shows that 90 (69.2%) respondents were sexually

active and about 62.3% had sexual contact in the last six
HA = There is a positive correlation between life-style of the months. And only 18 (13.8%) of the subjects had more than
respondents’ and their attitude about exposure to Hepatitis B one sexual partner.
virus.
The data analysis revealed that 67.7% of the
The Pearson products correlation was conducted to respondents had no idea about the Hepatitis B virus status of
examine the relationship between Attitude of the blood their sexual partners. Talking of exposures related to clinical
donors and their Life-style practices. The results showed and surgical procedures, 124 (95.4%) asserted they had not,
that there was a weak positive relationship between the two in the past 12 months received blood transfusion, treatment
variables, which was statistically significant. (R = 0.225, P = with human or animal products.
0.010) (Table 3). The Alternative hypothesis was accepted
while the Null hypothesis was rejected. The attitude of the respondents on a 6point rating scale
shows that 51 (39.2%) had a good attitude of Hepatitis B
Table 2 Respondents Attitude of Hepatitis B Virus and while 79 (60.8%), which is, more than half had a poor
Transmission attitude about Hepatitis B. The Mean ± Standard Deviation
Variable Frequency Percentage of the attitude of the respondents was 4.207 ± 0.859.
(n=130) (%)
Perception (on a 6-point A significant association exists between good attitude
rating scale) 51 39.2 of exposure to Hepatitis B virus and having been screened
Good 79 60.8 for the virus before; P = < 0.0001
Poor 4.207 ±
Mean ± Standard deviation 0.859 Table 3: Relationships between Respondents Attitude
Will you rate yourself as and Life-style on Hepatitis B Virus
sexually active 80 69.2 Variable Mean Standard Correlation P-
Yes 40 30.8 Deviation Coefficient value
No (r)
In the past 6 months, how Attitude 4.207 0.8599
many sexual partners have Life- 7.000 0.9234 0.225 0.010
you had 49 37.7 style
None 63 48.5 Practices
One 7 5.4 Correlation Significant @ p < 0.05
Two 6 4.6
Three 4 3.1 Hypothesis: Attitude is significantly related to life-style
Four 1 .8 practices.
Five R = 0.225 shows that there is a weak positive correlation
Do you know the Hepatitis B between attitude and life-style
status of your last partner P-value = 0.010 shows that attitude contributed to 22.5%
Yes 42 32.2 changes in the pattern of life-style practices
No 88 67.7
In the last 12 months, have V. DISCUSSION
you been in close contact
with person(s) with Hepatitis 15 11.5 From the finding in this study showed that more of the
Yes 115 88.5 respondents were between the ages of 18-30 years,
No (Donating –Frequently Asked Questions, 2008) suggest that
Have you ever received a age, weight and height are important factors when
tissue or organ transplant considering the eligibility of donors. On the statistics, it
Yes 8 4.6 shows that ages 57-66 (0.8%) weren’t fully involved
No 124 95.4 because according (Goldman, et al, 2007) elderly donors are
Have you in the past 12 sometimes deferred on age alone because of health
months received blood concerns.
transfusion, treatment with
human or animal products 6 4.6 The statistics showed that a particular ethnic group
Yes 124 95.4 superseded the others and this can be related to donor’s race
No or ethnic background is sometimes important since some
blood type, especially rare ones are more common in certain
ethnic groups according to (Severo & Richard 1990).

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Volume 6, Issue 5, May – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
The prevalence rate of HBV positive patient in Nigeria et, al, 2012), this also can be related to this study which had
particularly in Ogun State had a statistics of 3 (2.8%) while a (73.1%) awareness of Hepatitis B virus.
according to (Hepatitis B, 2015), WHO had a prevalence
rate of <2%, 2-8% and >8% as low, intermediate and high This may probably have been as a result of the
prevalence of HBV, respectively. In EMRO and some other educational programmes on hepatitis received from the
Middle Eastern Countries, it has been reported that HBV place of work and the news media as well as patients and
prevalence cut across all age groups according to (Ott et al, staff members with complications of chronic hepatitis B
2012). Studies conducted in EMRO and Middle Eastern virus infection that presents regularly to the hospital, this is
Countries detected a prevalence of HBsAg positive results contrary to this study.
in blood donors and having different values, which can also
be related to this study. Some respondents did not know about the chronic
complications of the HBV like liver cirrhosis and liver, this
According to this study and in relation to (Tong et al, can be related to this study, which had respondents
2013, Saha et al, 1988, Ndumbe & Nyouma E, 1990, 70(53.8%) which had no clue of been screened to avoid
Sarkodie, et al, 2001), it shows that there is a relationship having liver cancer.
between this study and the one done in West Africa Sub- This shows the lack of in-depth knowledge about HBV
region, which was reported that the prevalence of HBV among these health workers beyond ordinary awareness.
ranges from between 3 to 22% among blood donors. This finding agrees with the reports by other authors in
Nigeria (E.C. Okwara, et al, 2012, S.C. Nwokediuko, 2011).
A lot of studies have shown that the main reason
people donate is for selflessness, charity, general awareness VI. CONCULSION
regarding the demand for blood, increased confidence in
oneself, helping a personal friend/relative and social Attitude of previously screened blood donors were
pressure (Edwards Patrick &Zeichner Amos 1985), this can significantly related to Hepatitis B preventive practices
be related to this study because about 78.5% proofed to be whereas the knowledge, attitude and life-style practices of
voluntary donors. In developed world, most blood donors donors that have not been previously screened did not
are unpaid volunteers who donate blood for a community significantly comply with Hepatitis B preventive measure.
supply. Thus; making them more susceptible to exposure. Thus; a
number of them would not be fit for blood donation.
Many donors donate for several reasons, such as form
of charity, general awareness, the demand for blood, RECOMMENDATION
increased confidence in self, helping a friend or relative and
also social pressure. The following recommendations are hereby suggested:
1. Public health advocacy and education and education on
The World Health Organization set a goal in 1997 for HBV infection should be intensified in hospitals
all blood donations to come from unpaid volunteer donors, especially for prospective blood donors to be well
but as of 2006, only 49 to 124 countries surveyed had educated about the preventive practices against the
established this as s standard (World Blood Donor Day, infection.
2006). 2. The role of vaccination in the preventive and control of
HBV infection in the general population cannot be
El Beltagy et al, (El Beltagy et al, 2008), showed overemphasized.
significant association with married status, specific 3. There is a need to formally educate the community
occupations such as blue collar worker, the military, family members most especially blood donors through
history of HBV infection, lack of immunization, lower universal basic education and mass education.
educational level. In the general population low educational
status has been associated with high prevalence of hepatitis LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
B in both developing and developed countries.
Despite the results of the study and the valuable
A good attitude of HBV virus means and modes of insight revealed, the study however has the following
infection as well as adequate vaccination may reduce limitations:
infection rate. The knowledge of HBV is generally low 1. The study been a cross-sectional study was faced with
among the populace in a study carried out among Turkish recall bias.
community in Netherland (Y.J.J Van, O, et al, 2010), which 2. The participants may have under or over reported
can be related to this study. information if they perceived the response to be socially
desirable.
HBV could be transmitted through many other routes,
and inadequate knowledge of HBV among healthcare
workers may reflect their behavioural pattern to vaccination
and safety measure. The awareness level of 96% for HBV
among respondents was similar to that reported by (Okwara

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Volume 6, Issue 5, May – 2021 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
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