Prevalence of Rhesus D Status, Maternal Awareness and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Antenatal Attendees at Asubiaro State Specialist Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1019-6200Keywords:
Rhesus D Status, Maternal Awareness, Pregnancy Outcome, Antenatal Clinic, Anti-D ProphylaxisAbstract
RhD-negative status is the absence of the RhD antigen in an individual’s blood. It becomes clinically significant in pregnancy when an RhD-negative woman carries an RhD-positive fetus, as exposure to fetal RhD-positive red blood cells may result in maternal anti-D alloimmunization. Maternal-fetal RhD incompatibility is preventable through appropriate screening, awareness, and Anti-D prophylaxis. However, evidence on its prevalence and maternal awareness among antenatal populations in Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed prevalence of Rhesus D status, maternal awareness, and pregnancy outcomes among antenatal attendees at Asubiaro State Specialist Hospital, Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 pregnant women selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and laboratory records and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Descriptive sttistics were used to summarize participants’ characteristics and study variables. Respondents were predominantly aged 25–29 years (46.8%), married (91.8%), and Yoruba (77.2%). Laboratory-confirmed RhD-negative status was identified in 6 of 158 respondents, giving a prevalence of 3.8%. Maternal awareness of RhD status was generally low, with a grand mean score of 2.17 on a four-point scale. Knowledge was particularly limited regarding partners’ RhD status, partners’ blood-group testing, and the use of Anti-D prophylaxis. Financial status, attendance at antenatal health talks, early antenatal booking, and previous multiple pregnancies were perceived as factors influencing awareness. RhD-negative status occurred among 3.8% of respondents, while awareness of RhD incompatibility and its prevention was generally low. Repeated, targeted antenatal education on RhD screening, partner testing, and Anti-D prophylaxis is recommended
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Copyright (c) 2026 Daramola Chinonye Lucky, Adeyemi Adeola Oluwadunni, Akinwale Oladayo Damilola, Adeniyi Victoria Adenike
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