Socio-demographic and biological aspects of blood donors in Barika

Introduction. Blood transfusion is a medical act aimed at correcting a deficiency. The aim of this study is to describe socio-demographic characteristics and motivations of blood donors at Barika public hospital, and to analyze their immuno-hematological and microbiological data. Materials and methods. This was a descriptive crosssectional study conducted at the blood transfusion station at the EPH of Barika over a 12-month period, from January 1 to December 31, 2022, using a questionnaire intended for blood donors of both sexes. Biological analysis results were collected from the immunohematological and serological qualification register of blood donations. Results. A total of 1186 donors were collected, of whom 1143 were males (96.37%) and 43 females (03.63%), giving a sex ratio of M/F=26.58. Mean age was 35, with extremes of 18 and 65. Most donors were between 28 and 37 years of age. Compensatory donors accounted for 43.07% of cases, and over half of volunteer donors (56.91%) were regular donors. Family reasons (38.02%) were the strongest motivators for blood donation, followed by religion (28.83%) and solidarity (24.87%). Donors with type O Rhesus-positive blood were in the majority (40.89%). Seroprevalence rate for transfusion-transmissible infectious agents was 0.51%: three cases of syphilis, two cases of hepatitis B virus and one case of hepatitis C virus. Regular, ongoing serological monitoring is essential to ensure transfusion safety. Conclusion. The blood donor profile at EPH Barika is of the compensation and new donor type. Regular epidemiological surveillance is essential to ensure proper hemovigilance.