Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Blood Donors in Kabul: An Analysis of Gender Effects on Infection Rates

Background: The global impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a major public health problem emphasizes the importance of understanding its prevalence and spread for the development of effective prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Kabul and to analyze possible gender differences and their effects on infection rates. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of blood donor data was conducted at the central blood bank in Kabul. The study encompassed data from January to December 2023, including male and female blood donors. HIV screening was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. The data collected during the study were analyzed using SPSS to determine the prevalence of HIV and examine any differences in infection rates between men and women. Results: Overall 12445 blood donor samples were analyzed in this study, including 12179 samples from male donors and 266 samples from female donors. The results indicated an overall HIV seropositive infection rate among blood donors in Kabul, which was determined to be 0.0883%. Subsequent analysis, stratifying the data by gender, demonstrated a seroprevalence rate of 0.0883% among male blood donors. No cases of HIV infection were detected in female blood donors. Conclusion: This study provides information on the seroprevalence of HIV infection among blood donors in Kabul with an overall rate of 0.0883%. Gender analysis revealed a similar seroprevalence rate among male donors, while no cases of HIV infection were observed among female donors. These findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring, prevention, and education to maintain the safety and integrity of the blood supply, as well as further research to understand the underlying factors contributing to the observed HIV prevalence rates.