TITLE:
Assessment of Awareness and Understanding of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn in the Beninese Population
AUTHORS:
Dognonvi Danhouegnon, Julien A. Gaétan Segbo, Herve B. M. Gbenahou, Marcos A. D. F. Migan, Armel F. E. Adjatan, Akadiri Yessoufou, Casimir D. Akpovi
KEYWORDS:
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN), Risk Factor, Knowledge, Populations, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.12 No.10,
October
18,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and nurses. Nearly one in ten women risk having children with HDFN. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the Beninese population on HDFN. Methods: Data were collected from June 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed a Kobotoolbox questionnaire on WhatsApp, with in-person assistance for illiterate participants. The study involved 521 participants from across Benin. Data were analyzed using SigmaPlot version 14.0. Results: Among the 521 participants, 298 were women (57.20%) aged 18 to 77 years. The majority (40.69%) were aged 26 - 35. Over a third (35.51%) did not know their RhD blood group. Most (59.12%) were unaware of the risks for RhD discordant couples. Among those with a partner, 25.16% were in at-risk couples for HDFN, and over half (59.12%) were unaware of this risk. There was no significant association between being in a high-risk union and knowledge of the risk or education level. Conclusion: Only 40.88% of the Beninese population are aware of HDFN, indicating a low level of knowledge.