To assess the prevalence and demographic distribution of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) among blood donors at MMC-MTI Mardan, Pakistan, highlighting its significance for public health.
Key Findings:
Overall TTI prevalence in Pakistan is 4.61%, with replacement donors at 5.42%, indicating a critical public health concern.
Only 10%-13% of blood donations are voluntary, underscoring the need for improved donor recruitment strategies.
TTIs are more prevalent among male donors and those aged 25-44 years, suggesting targeted interventions for these demographics.
Interpretation:
The high prevalence of TTIs, particularly among replacement donors, indicates systemic issues in blood donation practices and highlights the urgent need for improved voluntary donation initiatives and screening protocols.
Limitations:
Lack of updated data on TTIs in smaller cities, which may lead to underrepresentation of the issue.
Weak surveillance systems hinder evidence-based policy-making and may introduce biases in data collection.
Conclusion:
The study provides critical insights into the prevalence of TTIs in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced donor screening and promotion of voluntary blood donation to improve transfusion safety.
