Assessment of maternal knowledge towards Rhesus incompatibility and their attitude about its preventive measures in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Rh incompatibility arises when a Rh-negative woman carries a Rh-positive fetus, which can lead to Rh alloimmunization and complications. A tertiary care center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reported a tenfold higher prevalence of Rh alloimmunization compared to developed countries. This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives on Rh incompatibility, including its complications and preventive measures, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study that was applied among community mothers, primiparous, and multiparous females living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data collection took two months, from June 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 and the quantitative variables are presented as numbers and percentages. The mean age of participants was 38 ± 10 years, with equal representation of Saudi and non-Saudi women (50% each). Marital status distribution showed 93% married, 5% divorced, and 2% widowed. Key factors linked to higher knowledge scores included younger age, higher education levels, and antenatal care attendance. Younger mothers had better scores, as did those with higher educational attainment and antenatal care experience. Our findings suggest a significant gap in understanding the Rh factor, despite the majority of the participants being aware of it. Moreover, higher levels of education and younger age are associated with better knowledge scores, perhaps providing an opportunity for focused educational programs in the future.