Predictors of knowledge and management practice of Rhesus negative pregnant women among primary health care workers in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Rhesus isoimmunization present significant medico-social problems among rhesus negative women that could be prevented by adopting correct management practices by healthcare providers. This study assessed the predictors of knowledge and management practices of rhesus negative pregnant women among Primary healthcare workers in Kano Metropolis. A descriptive crosssectional study was used to study 424 respondents selected using multistage sampling technique with a response rate of 94%. Data was collected using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 22. Majority of the respondents 354 (88.9) were greater than 24 years of age with mean age of 32.8±7.1. More than onehalf 235 (59.0%) of the respondents were female with Hausa speaking respondents by tribe constituting the majority 322 (80.9) healthcare workers studied. Almost twothirds (62.3%) of the respondents had good knowledge. However, only 24 (6.0%) employed correct management practice of rhesus negative pregnancy. Senior staff studied were 60% more likely {AOR=0.6, 95% CI (0.3-0.9)} to have good knowledge of rhesus negative pregnancy with those in service for 5 or more years to had 2.8 increased likelihood AOR=2.8, 95%CI (1.7-4.7)} of having good knowledge of Rhesus negative pregnancy. Healthcare workers requesting for blood grouping during ANC services provision were found to have up to 5.2 increased likelihood {AOR=5.2, 95% CI (2.7-10)} of having good knowledge of managing rhesus negative pregnancy. Senior staff were found to be 37% more likely to correctly practice the recommended management of Rhesus negative pregnant women {AOR=0.37 , 95%CI= (0.2-0.9)}. Most healthcare workers had good knowledge of rhesus negative pregnancy but wrong management practices. Government should ensure improved practice by putting in place favorable policies that will ensure training and compliance with recommended guideline for managing rhesus negative pregnant women.