Awareness of Haemophilia Disease Among Nursing Mothers in Benin City
Chapter One
Abstract
This study investigates the awareness and attitudes of nursing mothers towards haemophilia disease in Benin City, Nigeria, employing a quantitative survey research design. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from a sample of 120 respondents, focusing on their level of awareness, primary sources of information, and attitudes towards haemophilia. The data collected were presented and analyzed using SPSS27 software, with statistical techniques including t-tests utilized to test the hypotheses formulated. The findings revealed that nursing mothers in Benin City demonstrated a moderate to high level of awareness regarding haemophilia disease. However, their primary sources of information varied, with a significant reliance on healthcare professionals and the Internet. Despite the overall positive awareness, some respondents exhibited uncertainties or misconceptions regarding the signs, symptoms, and management of haemophilia. Additionally, negative attitudes towards seeking medical care for haemophilia were observed among a minority of participants. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of raising awareness and providing accurate information about haemophilia to nursing mothers in Benin City. Recommendations include the development of targeted educational interventions, involving healthcare professionals and leveraging online platforms to disseminate information effectively. Addressing misconceptions and fostering positive attitudes towards seeking medical care is crucial for improving outcomes for individuals affected by haemophilia. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights to the field of maternal and child health, informing future interventions and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness and support for haemophilia in the community.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
Haemophilia, a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficient blood clotting factors, poses significant health risks, particularly for males, and profoundly impacts their quality of life. Nursing mothers assume critical roles in detecting, managing, and preventing haemophilia in their offspring. However, disparities in awareness among nursing mothers can hinder timely interventions and essential care for affected infants. In Benin City, Nigeria, where healthcare resources may be limited, understanding haemophilia awareness among nursing mothers becomes crucial for effective interventions and improved healthcare outcomes for affected children.
Haemophilia’s hallmark is prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries, due to deficient clotting factors (Mannucci, 2018). Afflicting primarily males, this disorder can lead to severe health complications and diminish life quality (Pabinger et al., 2017). Nursing mothers, as primary caregivers, play pivotal roles in recognizing haemophilia symptoms, initiating early interventions, and preventing complications (Doshi & Arruda, 2018). However, variations in awareness levels among nursing mothers can impede prompt medical attention and vital care for affected infants.
In regions like Benin City, Nigeria, where healthcare infrastructure is often limited, understanding haemophilia awareness among nursing mothers becomes imperative. Effective educational interventions are necessary to improve healthcare outcomes for affected children (Balkaransingh & Young, 2018). Therefore, investigating nursing mothers’ awareness of haemophilia in Benin City is essential to identifying knowledge gaps and designing targeted educational initiatives (Knobe & Berntorp, 2021).
 Statement of Problem
In the context of haemophilia awareness among nursing mothers in Benin City, Nigeria, several critical gaps in knowledge and understanding need to be addressed.
Firstly, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding among nursing mothers regarding the signs and symptoms of haemophilia (Mannucci, 2018). Without adequate knowledge of these indicators, mothers may fail to recognize early warning signs in their infants, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation (Pabinger et al., 2017).
Secondly, there is a gap in awareness concerning the importance of early intervention and timely medical care for children with haemophilia (Doshi & Arruda, 2018). Nursing mothers may not fully grasp the urgency of seeking medical assistance at the onset of symptoms, resulting in potentially severe complications for affected infants (Balkaransingh & Young, 2018).
Thirdly, there is limited awareness regarding available treatment options and management strategies for haemophilia within the nursing community (Knobe & Berntorp, 2021). Lack of knowledge about treatment modalities can hinder mothers’ ability to advocate for appropriate care for their children and navigate the healthcare system effectively (Auerswald et al., 2020).
Additionally, misconceptions and cultural beliefs surrounding haemophilia may further exacerbate the problem (Rocha et al., 2021). Nursing mothers may hold erroneous beliefs about the causes and consequences of haemophilia, leading to stigma, discrimination, and reluctance to seek medical assistance (Chen, 2020).
Overall, addressing these gaps in awareness and understanding of haemophilia among nursing mothers in Benin City is crucial to improving healthcare outcomes and quality of life for affected children. Implementing targeted educational initiatives and community outreach programs can help bridge these gaps and empower nursing mothers with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively manage haemophilia in their children.
 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study were:
- To assess the level of awareness of haemophilia disease among nursing mothers in Benin City.
- To identify the sources of information about haemophilia disease accessed by nursing mothers in Benin City.
- To explore the attitudes and perceptions of nursing mothers towards haemophilia disease in Benin City.
Research Questions
The research questions guiding this study were:
- What is the level of awareness of haemophilia disease among nursing mothers in Benin City?
- What are the primary sources of information about haemophilia disease accessed by nursing mothers in Benin City?
- What are the attitudes and perceptions of nursing mothers towards haemophilia disease in Benin City?
Research Hypotheses
Based on the research questions, the following hypotheses were formulated:
Null Hypotheses(H0):
- Nursing mothers in Benin City have a high level of awareness of haemophilia disease.
- The primary sources of information about haemophilia disease for nursing mothers in Benin City are not healthcare professionals and the internet.
- Nursing mothers in Benin City exhibit negative attitudes and perceptions towards seeking medical care for haemophilia disease.
Alternative Hypotheses(H1):
- Nursing mothers in Benin City have a low level of awareness of haemophilia disease.
- The primary sources of information about haemophilia disease for nursing mothers in Benin City are healthcare professionals and the internet.
- Nursing mothers in Benin City exhibit positive attitudes and perceptions towards seeking medical care for haemophilia disease.
Significance of the Study
This study holds significant implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders involved in maternal and child health in Benin City. By identifying the gaps in awareness and understanding of haemophilia disease among nursing mothers, this research can inform the development of targeted educational interventions to improve early detection, management, and prevention strategies. Additionally, raising awareness about haemophilia among nursing mothers can lead to better health outcomes for affected infants and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare services in the region.
For healthcare providers operating within Benin City, this study offers invaluable insights into the prevailing deficiencies in haemophilia awareness among nursing mothers. Armed with this knowledge, healthcare professionals can design targeted educational programs tailored to address specific gaps identified in the research. These initiatives may encompass educational seminars, workshops, and informational materials to enhance mothers’ understanding of haemophilia signs, symptoms, and available treatment options. Additionally, healthcare providers can use the findings to improve their patient education efforts during prenatal and postnatal care visits, thereby empowering mothers with the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard their children’s health.
Policymakers in Benin City can leverage the findings of this study to inform the development and implementation of policies aimed at bolstering haemophilia awareness and management practices within the community. By recognizing the gaps in knowledge identified among nursing mothers, policymakers can advocate for the integration of haemophilia education into existing maternal and child health initiatives. This may entail allocating resources for the creation of targeted public health campaigns, community outreach programs, and educational materials aimed at raising awareness about haemophilia and promoting early detection and intervention strategies. Furthermore, policymakers can work towards enhancing access to specialized healthcare services and treatment options for individuals affected by haemophilia, thereby ensuring equitable healthcare delivery across the region.
Community stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), advocacy groups, and community leaders, play a pivotal role in disseminating information and fostering community engagement around healthcare issues. By engaging with the findings of this study, these stakeholders can spearhead grassroots efforts to raise awareness about haemophilia within the community. This may involve organizing educational workshops, support groups, and awareness campaigns aimed at dispelling misconceptions, reducing stigma, and promoting early detection and treatment-seeking behaviours among nursing mothers. Additionally, community stakeholders can collaborate with healthcare providers and policymakers to advocate for the inclusion of haemophilia education in school curricula and community health programs, thereby fostering a culture of health literacy and empowerment within the community.
In summary, this study catalyzes change within the realm of maternal and child healthcare in Benin City. By pinpointing the gaps in awareness and understanding of haemophilia among nursing mothers, this research sets the stage for targeted interventions aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for affected infants and driving overall improvements in healthcare services across the region. Through collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders, the findings of this study can pave the way for a more informed, empowered, and resilient community equipped to tackle the challenges posed by haemophilia.
Scope of the Study
This study focused specifically on nursing mothers residing in Benin City, Nigeria. It aimed to assess their awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding haemophilia disease. The research did not delve into the clinical management or treatment outcomes of haemophilia but rather aimed to provide insights into the informational needs and challenges faced by nursing mothers in understanding and addressing this condition in their children.
 Operational Definition of Terms
Haemophilia: A rare genetic bleeding disorder characterized by the deficiency of certain blood clotting factors.
Nursing mothers: Women who are currently breastfeeding their infants.
Awareness: The level of knowledge and understanding about haemophilia disease among nursing mothers.
Benin City: The capital city of Edo State, Nigeria, was chosen as the geographical area for this study.
Sources of information: The channels or mediums through which nursing mothers acquire knowledge about haemophilia disease.
Attitudes: Nursing mothers’ feelings and opinions towards haemophilia disease and its management.
Perceptions: Nursing mothers’ beliefs and understandings about the implications and consequences of haemophilia disease.
Healthcare professionals: Trained medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and midwives involved in providing healthcare services to nursing mothers and their infants in Benin City.
References
- Rocha, P., Carvalho, M., Lopes, M., & Araújo, F. (2021). Costs and utilization of treatment in patients with haemophilia. BMC Health Serv Res, 15, 484.
- Rodriguez-Merchan, E. C. (2020). Musculoskeletal complications of haemophilia. HSS J, 6(1), 37-42.
- Rogaev, E. I., Grigorenko, A. P., Faskhutdinova, G., Kittler, E. L., & Moliaka, Y. K. (2019). Genotype analysis identifies the cause of the “royal disease”. Science, 326(5954), 817.
- Rozenfeld, P. A. (2019). Fabry disease: treatment and diagnosis. IUBMB Life, 61(11), 1043-1050.
- Saba, H. I., & Morelli, G. A. (2022). The pathogenesis and management of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Clin Adv Hematol Oncol, 4(12), 919-926.
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