Abstract
Sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor are two medical conditions that have wrecked serious havoc in many homes and denied some couples the desired conjugal joy. Sickle cell disease and rhesus factor incompatibility are genetically transmitted disorders that affect blood properties. These conditions have resulted in couples having only one child, childlessness, and increase in child mortality rate or the birth of sickly children in affected homes. The above have engendered mutual suspicion and acrimony between couples. This study investigates how interpersonal communication can be employed in creating awareness about sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility, especially among intending couples in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Anchored on the health belief model and the social learning theories, the investigation employed the survey research design to generate responses from a sample of 383 respondents drawn from 8 communities, using the multi-stage sampling technique, using a set of questionnaire. Frequency distribution and simple percentage tables were to present the data for analysis. The findings of this study reveal that Yenagoa residents are aware of sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility and that interpersonal communication was very effective in creating awareness and influencing residents, especially intending couples to test for their genotype and rhesus status. The study recommended among others that the federal and state ministries of health in conjunction with the ministry of information should mount a vigorous enlightenment campaign to provide the people with adequate information on sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility. Key words: Sickle cell disease, Rhesus factor, compatibility, interpersonal communication, awareness DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/78-09 Publication date: April 30 th 2021
Highlights
Background to the studyThe prevalence of sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility in many families in Nigeria has become a major concern and subject of research in the medical and communication fields
This study investigates how interpersonal communication can be employed in creating awareness about sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility, especially among intending couples in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
The findings of this study reveal that Yenagoa residents are aware of sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility and that interpersonal communication was very effective in creating awareness and influencing residents, especially intending couples to test for their genotype and rhesus status
Summary
University of Port Harcourt Abstract Sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor are two medical conditions that have wrecked serious havoc in many homes and denied some couples the desired conjugal joy. This study investigates how interpersonal communication can be employed in creating awareness about sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility, especially among intending couples in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This is because it involves face-to-face interactions in which someone can be getting a direct impact of the message from the sender as both the sender are receiver are in the same environment It is, important to establish the influence of interpersonal communication in awareness creation about sickle cell disease and Rhesus factor incompatibility among residents of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Aim and objectives of the study The aim of this investigation was to examine the influence of interpersonal communication in awareness creation and response to sickle cell and Rhesus factor incompatibility messages among Yenagoa residents in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It is important to note that majority of the respondents were civil servants, and have lived in Yenagoa between six and twelve years
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
