REVIEW ON KNOWLEDGE OF ISSUES OF RHESUS INCOMPATIBILITY AMONG NIGERIANS

Abstract

The paper reviewed issues related to knowledge of Rhesus incompatibility in Nigeria. It frowned that despite relatively high prevalence rate of Rhesus incompatibility among the public in Nigeria, yet knowledge about it remains very low. The Health Belief Model was adopted as the theoretical framework. However, low level of knowledge of Rhesus incompatibility among Nigerians is associated with factors like poverty, lack of access to maternal healthcare, ignorance and religious beliefs. The role of these factors compounds the high prevalence of Rhesus incompatibility in Nigeria in comparison with other countries. The paper thus recommends that Rhesus compatibility testing be made compulsory before marriage and during pregnancy. The public should be adequately sensitized about Rh incompatibility while access to healthcare should be made more affordable by encouraging health insurance in the country.