Association of Positive Hepatitis B Serology Markers with Risk and Behavior Factors in Kazakhstan Blood Donors: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aim:A recent analysis of anti-HBc prevalence within Kazakhstan blood donors' population concluded a 17.2% rate. Considering these data are among the highest of infectivity results worldwide, this study sought to define an association of positive Hepatitis B serology markers with risk and behavior factors. Methods: The blood donors' samples were tested for anti-HBcore total (IgG/IgM) and anti-HBs, by CLIA on the Architect i2000SR platform (Abbott). Surrogate alanine transferase (ALT) markers for all blood donors were tested by kinetic method on the A25 analyzer (Biosystems). A questionnaire was developed to obtain the donors' socio-demographic characteristics, nutrition habits, cholesterol levels, history of smoking and alcohol consumption. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants. Statistics were calculated using the R software program (version 4.1.1, USA, 2021). Results: A group of 5709 blood donors participated in the study. Participants with positive for anti-HBc were on average older (41.8 vs 34.4 years, p<0.001), Kazakh (88.7% vs 83.0%, p<0.001), married (74.0% vs 55.6%, p<0.001), had a secondary education (70.1% vs. 59.4%, p=0.03), smoked (27.9% vs. 24.3%, p=0.05), had a longer smoking history (13.6±9.5 years vs. 9.8±8.5 years, p<0.001), and various hypercholestesterolaemia (6.2% vs 3.9%, p=0.02). Predominantly their main meal was dinner (17.0% vs 14.2%, p=0.03). Analysis for associations of socio-demographics characteristics, risk factors, and nutrition with anti-HBs, showed that those who have secondary education level (70.1%) were more likely to be anti-HBs-positive (p=0.03). No other significant correlations for anti-HBs were observed. Conclusions: The risk factors and behavior analysis highlighted the blood donors' overall health status. Positive Hepatitis B markers associated with statistically significant characteristics from socio-demography, nutrition habits or risk factors could support further pathogenesis studies looking for HBV treatment guides fulfilling the existing gaps.