Challenges of Blood Transfusion Services in Abia State: A Study on Infrastructure and Manpower
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Date
2024
Authors
Uche, C.L
Owojiugbe, T.O
Abali, I.O
Eke, O.K
Ogbenna, A.A
Ngwudo, S
Ndukwe, C.O
Iwuoha, E.C
Ndukwe, P.E
Ezirim, E.O
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J. General Medicine and Clinical Practice
Abstract
Background: Blood transfusion services are vital to healthcare delivery, yet many health institutions face challenges related to infrastructure and manpower. This study aims to assess the availability and adequacy of blood transfusion equipment and staff in healthcare institutions across Abia State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted over six months in 13 public and private health institutions across the three senatorial zones of Abia State: Abia North, Abia South, and Abia Central. Data were collected using a semi-structured, pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire, supplemented by blood bank records, covering the period from January to June 2022. The study assessed the availability of dedicated blood transfusion staff, the existence of blood transfusion committees, quality policies, and the types of blood screening methods used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with results expressed in frequencies, percentages, and means. Results: The majority of institutions were secondary (77%) and had poor availability of blood transfusion equipment (92.3%), with only 38.5% having a dedicated blood bank and 84.6% possessing benchtop centrifuges. Critical equipment such as apheresis machines, cold centrifuges, -20°C freezers, and platelet agitators were entirely absent. In terms of manpower, 92.3% of blood banks had dedicated staff, but none reported adequate staffing. Only 7.7% had a consultant haematologist, and 23.1% employed trained phlebotomists. Screening methods for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and VDRL relied entirely on rapid tests, with no ELISA use reported. Conclusion: The study highlights significant challenges in blood transfusion services in Abia State, with inadequate infrastructure and insufficient manpower being key issues. Urgent interventions are needed to improve equipment availability and staffing to ensure safe and effective blood transfusion services.
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Uche, C. L., Owojiugbe, T. O., Abali, I. O., Eke, O. K., Ogbenna, A. A., Ngwudo, S., Ndukwe, C. O., et al. (2024). Challenges of Blood Transfusion Services in Abia State: A Study on Infrastructure and Manpower, J. General Medicine and Clinical Practice, 7(18), 1-8