Prevalence of hepatitis B and C, knowledge and attitude towards voluntary blood donation among secondary school teachers in Calabar, Nigeria

Introduction: Blood for transfusion or biopharmaceutical medication is obtained through blood donation. It is an indispensable component of health that contributes to saving lives since blood/blood products are unique. A major source of safe blood is voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. Considering the role of teachers in the education of young people in the populace, this study aims to provide information on knowledge and attitude toward blood donation and the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among secondary school teachers in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: With ethical approval and informed consent obtained, a total of 200 apparently healthy teachers and staff were recruited from five secondary schools in Calabar. Structured questionnaires were pre-tested among twenty (20) staff of the University of Calabar before being administered to the study subjects. Blood was collected and screened for the presence of hepatitis B and C using the standard strip method. Data obtained were analyzed using the Chi-square test on SPSS version 21 and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study subjects comprised males (49.5%) and females (50.5%) with 38% being between the ages of 27-37 years. The majority (67.5%) had attained tertiary education while the remaining 32.5% had secondary education. The prevalence of Hepatitis B and C was observed to be 10% and 4% respectively among the study population and this is comparable to the prevalence in the general population. Ninety-five percent of participants think voluntary blood donation is good with 100% affirming that it is important yet only 10% had actually donated blood; eight percent had received blood transfusion previously. A good number (87% and 65%) were willing to donate for a family member and for a stranger in case of emergency. Eighty-four and a half percent of respondents think that blood donation is beneficial, 78% think there is a lack of awareness while 70% would advise others to donate blood voluntarily. Of the 200 participants, 66% believe blood donation to be a civic duty yet 82% and 85.5% respectively were of the opinion that blood donors should be paid or given gifts; indeed 83% agreed they would donate blood if they are paid. None of the respondents were against blood donation however 13% believed it poses a risk of collapse or death to the donor. Conclusions: This study has shown that the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among secondary school teachers in Calabar is 10% and 4% respectively. Secondary school teachers in the study area have fair knowledge of blood donation, and agree that it is important but are not willing to donate without renumeration. Lack of voluntary non-renumerated blood donation leads to a shortage of safe blood for transfusion and will promote commercial donation with associated risks. There is a need for regular awareness campaigns and blood drives among the populace.