Research Article

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Women of Reproductive Age Towards Rhesus Factor Incompatibility Screening in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Rhesus (Rh) factor incompatibility is a significant cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn, leading to fetal morbidity and mortality if not identified and prevented. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of women of reproductive age towards Rh factor incompatibility screening in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 women aged 15–49 years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS v27. Knowledge, attitude, and perception scores were computed and categorized. Chi square tests examined associations between KAP and sociodemographic factors. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results: The majority of participants aged 35–39 years (24.2%). Most participants were married (70.6%), Christian (96.2%), and had completed secondary (49.8%) or tertiary education (35.1%). Traders constituted the largest occupational group (60.7%), with nearly half (47.9%) earning ≤ ₦70,000 monthly. Overall, 62.6% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of Rh incompatibility screening, with 37.4% showing good knowledge. Attitudes were overwhelmingly positive, with 96.7% demonstrating favorable disposition towards screening, while perception of health risks was also high (97.4% good perception). Health workers (39.3%) and antenatal clinics/health talks (33.6%) were the main sources of information. Knowledge and perception were significantly associated with educational attainment, occupation, income, and health decision-making patterns (p <0.05). Conclusion: Women in PHALGA show high awareness and positive attitudes toward Rh incompatibility screening, but knowledge gaps remain in specific areas, including partner Rh status and preventive strategies like Anti-D prophylaxis. Socioeconomic and decisionmaking factors influence knowledge levels. Targeted health education, structured antenatal counseling, and promotion of joint health decision-making are recommended to improve screening and uptake of preventive measures.