Acceptability and affordability of point-of-care test in determining ABO and Rhesus D blood group of pregnant women at Eku General Hospital, EKU, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The ease of access to blood group testing for pregnant women at ANC in remote communities can reduce pregnancy and perinatal complications.

Objective: To determine the acceptability and affordability of point-of-care Eldon Card blood- group -testing kit among pregnant women in a secondary level hospital.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study at the Ante Natal clinic (ANC) of a secondary health facility in a peri- urban setting was  conducted. Institutional Ethical approval and participants’ informed consent was obtained. Participants’ blood group was determined  with the ELDON Card point of care test kit and the affordability and Acceptability of this test kit was evaluated by means of a structured  questionnaire administered sequentially to the clients. The data was recorded and transcribed to the excel spread sheet. Frequencies,  means, and standard deviations were calculated. Levels of confidence was set at 95% CI;(values of p<0.05). 

Results: Of the 175 pregnant women recruited 153 (87.4%) were < 35 years; 89 (50.9%) were primigravida and 147 (84.0%) were of the middle social class. Eight-two  (46.9%) reported that there were very satisfied with the time it took to perform the test, 172 (98.3%) preferred the point-of -care kit to the  routine laboratory test. 102 (58.3%) were satisfied with the outcome and 128 (73.1%) reported that a 500 Naira(0.5$)fee was affordable for  the point-of- care test. 

Conclusion: Pont-of-care ABO/Rh blood group test kit is acceptable method with limited affordability.