Effectiveness of an Instructional Program Concerning Secondary Polycythemia Knowledge on Clients Attending Iraqi National Blood Bank

Abstract

Background: Secondary Polycythemia (SP) mean an elevated of erythrocytes numbers and hemoglobin above normal levels which as more than 18 g / liter in males or 16 g / liter in females, and the elevated red blood cell above the normal level lead to many complication as thromboembolisim, hypertension, and gout.Objectives: The study aims to assess find out the effectiveness of instructional program application on secondary polycythemic clients. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design study conducted in Iraqi national blood bank from the period of January, 13th 2015 to September, 1st 2015, the study sample consist of 70 clients have hemoglobin level more than 18 mg/dl for males and 16 mg/dl for females, divided into two groups (35) case and (35) control groups.The study instrument was composed of three parts which as socio- demographic information was included; (age group, gender, marital status, level of education and occupational, and second parts deals medical history which include (weight, height, Hb level, other diseases, smoking and alcohol drinking). part three consist of 11 domains concerned to clients knowledge toward the SP which include (general information about SP include (definition, causes and symptoms), diagnosis, complication, treatment, and treatment plan which include (diet, smoking and alcohol, exercise, control on blood pressure, blood donation, relaxation and follow. The validity of the instrument was established through a panel of (10) experts, the reliability of the items was based on the internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by calculating Cronbach s' Coefficient alpha which as= 0.75. The data have been analyzed through the application of: descriptive frequency, percentages; mean of scores; and the inferential analysis that include: Analysis of variance and the researcher used the SPSS version 20 to analysis of data.Results: the findings revealed that the 97.1% of the case group were males at age 37-41 years old, 71.4% were married, 31.4% primary school graduate, 54.3% of the case group have free job, 68.6% of them were cigarettes smokers, low percent of the case group smoking water pip, and 25.7% of them have drinking alcohol.Conclusion: the study concluded that the program has a clear impact on improving the knowledge of clients relating to the definition and symptoms and how to control the disease through the pretest and posttest of the program.Recommendations: the study recommends increase health awareness among young people through the implementation of courses and lectures for youth in coordination with the Ministries of Health and Education and Higher Education in order to control the causes of disease and their risks.