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NIGER DELTA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & MEDICAL RESEARCH

A Publication Of Nigeria Medical Association Bayelsa State Branch

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Archive | ISSUE: , Volume: Jan-Mar-2025

SICKLE CELL DISEASE: AN ASSESSMENT OF ITS AWARENESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA


Author:Johnbull TO, Paul CW, Enahoro FO

published date:2025-Mar-16

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Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD), an autosomal recessive trait characterized by the presence of an abnormal heamoglobin in the red blood cell is termed a serious health issue that is increasingly affecting newborns. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of screening among undergraduates.

Methods: A well-structured, multi section questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was administered to 390 students and was divided into sections, containing information comprising of socio-demographic data, attitude of undergraduate students towards Screening for SCD and the knowledge of SCD.

Results: The result showed that majority of our study population 86.3% have not done SCD screening, another 65.7% have no knowledge of SCD and although some 18.1% of the undergraduates agree to the importance of genotype screening to enable them make wise decision in choosing their marriage partners, a large number disagree/strongly disagree (36.8%/28.3%) to compulsory screening before marriage. This may be stemming from religious believe and poor knowledge of the risk factors associated with SCD.

Conclusion: This study revealed a significant knowledge gap, poor attitude, and low practice of screening for SCD among undergraduate students in Niger Delta University and so the needs for active education on sickle cell disease in this study population.

Keywords: knowledge, attitude, premarital screening, sickle cell disease.

Keywords: knowledge, attitude, premarital screening, sickle cell disease,

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