Physicians’ Response on Haemophilia Care in South Western Nigeria

Introduction: Haemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder that affects predominantly male because it is an X chromosome linked disorder. The severity of the disease is determined by the percentage of Factors VIII and IX activity in the individuals with Haemophilia.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the extent of haemophilia care in the southwestern part of Nigeria. This forms part of a nationwide survey in 2016, focusing especially on whether or not physicians in specific hospitals in the states in south west had ever managed a haemophiliac.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire titled “Survey on Haemophilia Care in Nigeria” was developed for physicians in order to assess their experience on Haemophilia care in Nigeria. The responses from the Doctors were entered into SPSS (version 23) using the Data Dictionary (on survey of haemophilia) coded table prepared along with the questionnaire.

Results: The self-administered questionnaires were retrieved from 215 physicians in south west, Nigeria. Most of the respondents are from Oyo state, no respondent from both Osun and Ondo states. Also, about two-thirds of the respondents work in a teaching hospital, with majority having Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) as the highest qualification.

Conclusion: The care of haemophiliacs in the south western part of Nigeria needs to be standardized as the study showed that most physicians have no contact with Haemophiliacs.