Knowledge, Attitude and Acceptance of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation amongst Patients with Multiple Myeloma in Nigeria
Emmanuel Wobo *
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Ifechukwude Anita Osunde
Department of Haematology, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Adaeze Onyinyechi Okwu
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Federal Medical Center, Abuja, Nigeria.
Linda Anucha Dublin-Green
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Chinyere Eunice Eze
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Akpevwe Deborah Maduka
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Opadeyi Oluseyi Michael
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Okwummuo Emeka Paul
Department of Haematology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria.
Otumu Odianosen Sunday
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria.
Oji Anya Nnachi
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching, Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Eniefiok Hezekiah Jumbo
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa, Ibom State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The treatment of newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma continues to evolve rapidly. Autologous stem cell transplantation remains the backbone in the management of the MM even in the era of novel agents. This procedure is not readily available in Nigeria
AIM; To assess the level of knowledge, attitude and acceptance of ASCT in management of multiple myeloma.
Materials and Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 9 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria from 1st of March 2025 – 31st December 2025. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered to respondents. Respondents were adult patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma
Results: 36 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma were included in this study. Nineteen (52.8%) were males were 17(47.2%) were females. Twenty-one (58.3%) responders have heard of ASCT in multiple myeloma while 15 (41.7%) have not heard of ASCT. Twenty-three (63.9%) respondents agreed that ASCT can be done successfully in Nigeria while 13 responders (36.1%) did not agree. Majority of those that did not agree, cited lack of equipment as a major barrier. Twenty-seven (75%) patients agreed that the cost of the procedure can be a major drawback in carrying out the procedure in Nigeria. Twenty-five (69.4%) identified the perceived side effects or complication of the procedure as major road block to accessing the procedure. the overall acceptance of ASCT amongst Multiple myeloma patients was 52.8%
Conclusion: The Awareness of ASCT in multiple myeloma in Nigeria is high but relatively low when compared with reports from developed countries. Majority of the respondents agreed that ASCT can be done successfully in Nigeria with an acceptance rate of (52.8%) However, access barriers such as lack of relevant equipment, lack of expertise, fear of complications and high cost of procedure must be addressed so that more Nigerians can embrace this beneficial procedure.
Keywords: Autologous stem cell transplant, multiple myeloma, equipment, autologous stem cell