Background: In 1992, the ministry of health in Egypt implemented a universal hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination program to reduce infection rates, especially among newborns. This study investigates the prevalence of HBV among blood donors born before and after the vaccination programs to assess their long-term effectiveness in reducing HBV transmission.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HBV in blood donors born before and after the implementation of universal HBV vaccination in Egypt.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 blood donors at Qena University Hospital's blood banks from March 15, 2024, to September 15, 2024. The blood donors were divided into two groups based on their birth year and the vaccination program (pre-1992 and post-1992). All participants underwent serological testing for HBsAg.
Results: The study identified significant associations between HBsAg positivity and variables like birth year, occupation, marital status, HBV vaccination status, booster dose, surgical history, and hospital admissions (p < 0.05). Blood transfusion, family history, and habits such as tattooing or cupping showed even stronger significance (p < 0.0001). Predictors were assessed using statistical models to evaluate their influence on HBsAg results, considering demographic, medical, and behavioral factors. These findings highlight the impact of vaccination programs and preventive measures in reducing HBV infection risk.
Conclusion: HBV prevalence in Egypt has significantly decreased, particularly among younger blood donors, due to the national vaccination program. To continue reducing transmission, expanding vaccination in high-risk groups, raising public awareness, and maintaining stringent infection control measures are essential.