Knowledge of the Risk Factors and Prevention of Deep Vein Thromboembolism Among Adults Attending Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant public health issue affecting thousands of patients globally and is accountable for a high number of hospitalizations annually. This study assessed the knowledge of the risk factors and prevention of deep vein thromboembolism among adults attending Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A sample size of 420 respondents was involved in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Research questions were answered using frequencies and percentages. Hypotheses were tested using X2 test. Results showed that only 31.9% of participants had previous knowledge of DVT. Obesity/overweight (72.4%), long travel for more than 6 hours whether by car or plane (66.6%), and excess duration of sitting (55.7%) were the most well-known risk factors. Only about 37 (8.8%) of the respondents knew that DVT occurs when the patient relaxes most of the time in bed, and the most known symptoms were: pain and discomfort 272 (64.7%), local pain in the leg 244 (58.1%), or redness of the affected skin 213 (50.7%). The overall knowledge level of the risk factors of DVT among the respondents showed that only 2% had good knowledge, 30% had fair knowledge and 68% had no knowledge. Most of the respondents 217 (51.6%) knew that DVT is dangerous and may lead to death. The level of knowledge of the risk factors of DVT is highest among the younger aged, individuals who were employed and those who had higher level of education. Poor knowledge necessitates community education programmes about risk factors, signs and symptoms, and squeal of deep vein thromboembolism.