LoVIC-Kids: Improving public awareness of abnormal bleeding symptoms

Congenital bleeding disorders (CBD) may result in increased bleeding at times of injury, surgery, childbirth or with periods (menstrual bleeding). Although an estimated 1-2% of the population are affected by CBD, most people are unaware that their bleeding symptoms are abnormal. In addition, there is limited awareness amongst many doctors regarding CBDs. Consequently, only 0.01% of people in Ireland are diagnosed with a CBD. A particular problem for teenagers with CBD is that they suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). HMB may require changing of pads/tampons every 2 hours with bleeding persisting for more than 7 days. Unfortunately, HMB may necessitate days off school or work. Untreated HMB may reduce quality of life and result in iron deficiency or anaemia. Critically, 20% of women with significant HMB will have an underlying unrecognised CBD. Early diagnosis of CBD is essential in order to institute appropriate therapy and to avoid bleeding complications with future surgery or childbirth. The LoVIC-Kids KED funding aims to increase both public and physician awareness of HMB and CBDs in teenagers. Our targeted social media and web-based approach will focus on educating young women about recognising excessively heavy periods and that CBDs are commonly a key contributing factor. This campaign will be complemented by information leaflets available both in paper and online as well as physician education regarding CBDs. Our ?S.H.E? proposal encompasses Social media outreach, Healthcare information and Education. Public and physician engagement will be measured by social media metrics and new referrals for screening.

Award Date

27 September 2018

Award Value

€36,860.00

Principal Investigator

Professor James O'Donnell

Host Institution

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Scheme

Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Scheme