Interrogating Factors Affecting Knowledge and Management of Rhesus Incompatibility among Women of Reproductive Age in South-East Nigeria

Introduction: Despite rhesus incompatibility being a public health issue in most developing nations, adequate knowledge and management are dire in families. Several other non-medically related factors are associated with the condition emanating from cultural belief. This study examines the factors affecting knowledge and management of rhesus incompatibility among women of reproductive age in Southeast Nigeria.  Methodology: The study adopted mixed research method for triangulation, using the Taro Yamani formula a sample size of 1,111 was generated from an approximate population of 7,651,713. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire guide and IDI. Data was gathered by the researcher aided by some research assistance. The SPSS version 20.0 was used to process quantitative data while the qualitative data was thematically analysed. Findings: the study among other findings found that social barriers constrained the knowledge and management of rhesus incompatibility (44.0%); lack of education was seen as one of the social barriers (27.0%); also lack of adequate public awareness is also considered as another major factor (28.6%). The socio-cultural beliefs of the people were also associated with a lack of knowledge and awareness of the Rhesus factor (22.7). Conclusion: The increasing rate of rhesus-related disease with low awareness calls for consented public awareness as certain social and cultural factors such as low education and information lead to a misconception of the disease thereby many associating it with non-medically related explanations further causing dire complications. The government, non-governmental agencies, antenatal centres and educational institutions need to participate in enlightening couples, pregnant women and intending couples.