Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Among Blood Donors at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe

Hepatitis B virus infection is hyperendemic in Nigeria, with blood transfusion constituting a critical transmission route in settings where universal screening is inconsistently applied. This study determines the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among blood donors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Gombe State, North East Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 300 voluntary and replacement blood donors over six months. HBsAg was detected using a rapid immunochromatographic test and confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Information on donor age, sex, donation type, and previous transfusion history was obtained via structured questionnaires. HBsAg seroprevalence was 12.3 percent overall, with significantly higher rates in replacement donors (16 percent) compared to voluntary donors (8.1 percent). Male donors demonstrated higher seroprevalence than female donors. Age group 20 to 29 years had the highest seroprevalence. Prior blood transfusion and scarification practices were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity in multivariate analysis. The study identifies the blood supply at Gombe FTH as carrying a considerable HBV transmission risk, particularly through replacement donations. Recommendations include exclusive voluntary blood donor recruitment, mandatory dual-method HBsAg screening, vaccination campaigns targeting young adults, and expansion of the HBV donor screening programme to all North East blood banks. Keywords: Hepatitis B surface antigen, blood donors, seroprevalence, Gombe State, transfusion safety