TITLE:
Knowledge of Blood Transfusion among Junior Medical Doctors in Kenya
AUTHORS:
Japheth C. Kipkulei, Geoffrey K. Maiyoh, Richard B. O. Okero, Teresa Lotodo, Hellen Jepngetich, Nathan Buziba
KEYWORDS:
Blood Transfusion, Junior Medical Doctors, Factual Knowledge, Perceived Knowledge
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.17 No.2,
February
12,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Blood transfusion (BT) is crucial to the provision of modern health care. However, blood is scarce and costly, and its use is associated with risks. Therefore, the medical professionals who handle it should have adequate knowledge to ensure rational and safe utilization. The objective of the study was to determine the level of BT knowledge among junior medical doctors in Kenya. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among junior medical doctors working in Western Kenya. Data was collected using questionnaires from August 2021 to March 2022, and analysis was done by way of descriptive and inferential statistics. A p Results: A total of 150 medical doctors participated in the study. Males comprised 60% (n = 90), and the mean age of the participants was 29.9 (SD 3.6) with a range of 25 - 45 years. The mean knowledge score was 54.1% ± 16.4% and was associated with orientation (AOR = 3.157, 95% CI = 1.194 - 8.337). Conclusion: Blood transfusion knowledge among the doctors was suboptimal and was associated with pre-internship induction. There is a need for additional education in BT during all phases of medical training and practice, including orientation for medical interns.