ABSTRACT:
Despite significant advancements in the treatment of haemophilia, challenges remain in managing the disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Tanzania. One of the major challenges is the lack of knowledge and awareness about haemophilia among caregivers. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, sub-optimal adherence to treatment regimens, and poor management of bleeding episodes. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices among caregivers of people with haemophilia (PWH) attending Haemophilia Comprehensive Clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. This study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that was conducted in April 2025. The target population was caregivers of people with haemophilia attending clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire that covers caregivers’ socio-demographic information, knowledge regarding haemophilia, beliefs towards haemophilia, and their practices regarding the care of PWH and data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics used to summarize frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests and logistic regression) used to identify factors associated with good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices. Out of the 380 caregivers interviewed, 331 (97.1%) demonstrated good knowledge of haemophilia, while 49 (12.9%) had moderate knowledge. In terms of attitude, 356 (93.7%) of the participants exhibited a positive attitude towards haemophilia, whereas only 24 (5.0%) had a negative attitude. Regarding caregiving practices, 263 (69.2%) reported good practices, while 117 (30.8%) showed poor practices in managing haemophilia. Statistically significant associations were identified between education level and caregiving practices (p = 0.001), knowledge and practices towards haemophilia (p = 0.000), and attitudes and practices (p = 0.001).