Maternal Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Exchange Blood Transfusion among Neonates at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Nigeria
Ikukaiwe, Juliet Nkechi *
School of Post Basic Paediatrics Nursing Studies, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Harry, Patricia. G.N
School of Post Basic Paediatrics Nursing Studies, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Exchange blood transfusion (EBT) is one of the critical interventions in neonatal care, particularly in the management of severe hyperbilirubinaemia. However, maternal hesitation and delays in consent can arise when mothers have limited understanding of the procedure or when fears about safety outweigh perceived benefits. This study examined mothers’ knowledge and attitude towards EBT among mothers of babies admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was conducted among 150 mothers of neonates admitted to the SCBU over a two-month period, from August to September 2025. Data used in this study were obtained using a structured and validated questionnaire, and were analysed using Statistical Product and Services Solution (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise knowledge and attitude, while chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge and attitude. Statistical significance of association was determined at p < 0.05.
Results: Awareness of EBT among the mothers was strongest around the basic description of EBT and its common indication, as 83.3% of the women affirmed that it involves transfusing babies with blood, while 73.3% affirmed that it is used for severe neonatal jaundice. The overall knowledge of EBT was 52.8%. Attitude towards EBT was largely favourable, as 66.0% of the mothers demonstrated positive attitude towards EBT. Knowledge of EBT was significantly associated with age, educational attainment, parity, and religion. Also, attitude was significantly associated with age (p = 0.016), educational attainment (p = 0.001), and parity (p = 0.002), whereas marriage type (p = 0.096) and religion (p = 0.104) were not significantly associated with attitude.
Conclusion: Mothers exhibited high awareness of EBT with an overall positive attitude; however, knowledge accuracy was moderate, and marked by persistent uncertainty regarding specific clinical indications. Strengthening structured counselling, with emphasis on clear indications, safety safeguards, and infection prevention, may improve maternal confidence and support timely decision-making regarding EBT.
Keywords: Exchange blood transfusion, maternal knowledge, maternal attitude, neonatal jaundice, SCBU, UPTH