
Background: Evidence shows that most people living with haemophilia (PLwH) in Nigeria do not know enough about the condition and face some barriers. Objectives: This study explored the barriers related to the care of PLwH, as a part of a needs assessment study. Methodology: This exploratory mixed methods study used surveys and focus group discussions (FGD) to evaluate the perceptions of educational, technical, financial and psychosocial barriers facing PLwH. Participants included haemophilia patients (i.e. PLwH) and healthcare providers (HCP) in southern Nigeria. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: A total of 219 individuals participated in the study (PLwH – 130; HCP – 89). There were divergent views between the two groups of participants (i.e. PLwH and HCPs) regarding the educational barriers. About 51% (66/130) of PLwH agreed that the HCPs did not provide them with adequate education about haemophilia while only 33% (30/89) of HCPs shared that view; Z =2.5619 with p-value of 0.01. Many participants in both groups agree that HCPs generally lacked adequate training to manage haemophilia (PLwH-46%, 60/130; HCP – 46%, 41/89). Significantly more HCPs (76% of 89) agreed that PLwH had challenges related to access of basic treatment (i.e. clotting factors) compared to the perception of PLwH (60% of 130), Z = 2.42 and p=0.007. Some common themes from the data included public awareness, access to medications, challenges with lifestyle and anxiety/depression. Conclusion: Although hemophilia is a rare disease it affects a significant number of people in Nigeria to warrant increasing attention. This mixed methods study sought to explore the barriers related to haemophilia in southern Nigeria. One approach to address the educational barriers is to invest in the continuing education of HCPs. Expanding the number of haemophilia treatment centers in Nigeria would help address many technical barriers.
Needs assessment, Self care, Health services accessibility, Perception, Haaemophilia, Focus groups, Continuing education
Needs assessment, Self care, Health services accessibility, Perception, Haaemophilia, Focus groups, Continuing education
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
