Assessment of Doctors’ Knowledge on Management of Acute Blood Transfusion Reactions in a Tertiary Health Facility in North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background:
Blood transfusion is lifesaving but may cause severe immunologic and non-immunologic reactions requiring prompt recognition and management. In low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, transfusion safety is compromised by underreporting and limited physician awareness, weakening haemovigilance systems. 

Aim: This study assessed doctors' knowledge of managing acute blood transfusion reactions in a tertiary health facility in North-Western Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among doctors at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Of the 654 eligible doctors, 242 were randomly selected and 205 valid responses analysed. Data were collected between April and July 2017 and analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results:
Participants had a mean age of 34.6 ± 0.5 and ranged 25–54 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1. Clinical experience ranged from <1 year (27.3%) to >20 years (8.3%). Years of practice were significantly associated with prior involvement in managing BTRs (p = 0.035). Knowledge of first-line management, immediate cessation of transfusion and maintenance of intravenous access was high across experienced groups (p = 0.83). While awareness of pre- and post-transfusion blood sampling was satisfactory, knowledge of urine-based investigations was poor, with a significant gender difference for post-transfusion urine sampling (p = 0.018). Frontline notification was well recognized, awareness of laboratory and institutional reporting pathways was limited.

Conclusion:
Doctors showed good initial management knowledge but significant gaps in investigations and reporting, highlighting the need for improved haemovigilance training.