Influence of Demographic Characteristics on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence among Intending Blood Donors in Orthopedic Hospitals in a Resource-limited Setting

Abstract Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening among blood donors is critical for ensuring blood safety, particularly in low-resource settings where transfusion demand is high. Orthopedic hospitals represent major consumers of blood products; however, data on HIV prevalence among intending blood donors in such facilities remained limited. Understanding the influence of demographic characteristics on HIV prevalence in this population is essential for risk assessment and targeted preventive strategies. Objective: This study aimed to determine the influence of demographic characteristics on the prevalence of HIV infection among intending blood donors at orthopedic hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among intending blood donors at selected public ( n = 209) and private ( n = 120) orthopedic hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Demographic data were collected, and HIV serostatus was determined using standard screening protocols. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Descriptive statistics were computed, and associations between demographic variables and HIV prevalence were assessed using the chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at a P value of <0.05. Results: The overall HIV prevalence varied across demographic groups. The highest prevalence was observed among donors aged 30–39 years (5.3%), female donors (7.3%), and single donors (4.4%). However, there were no statistically significant associations between HIV prevalence and the demographic variables examined, including age, sex, and marital status ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Although higher HIV prevalence was observed among donors aged 30–39 years, females, and single individuals, these differences were not statistically significant. These findings underscore the need for continued universal donor screening and reinforce the importance of demographic surveillance in maintaining blood safety in orthopedic healthcare settings.