International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume IX, Issue VIII, August 2022 | ISSN 2321–2705

Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude of Undergraduates Towards Sickle Cell Disease in South Eastern Nigeria

David Chinaecherem Innocent¹*; Cosmas Nnadozie Ezejindu²; Advait Vasavada³; Chinazaekpere Oguguo Duruji^4
1Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State Nigeria
²Department of Public Health, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
³MP Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, India
⁴Department of Health Promotions, Community Healthcare Network Hospital
*Corresponding

Abstract:
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary red blood cell defect characterised by persistent hemolytic anaemia and a variety of clinical complications. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness, knowledge, and attitude of undergraduates towards sickle cell disease in southeastern Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, with individuals chosen using a multistage sample procedure. Data was obtained using a self-administered, pre-tested questionnaire and processed with SPSS software version 20.
Results: There were a total of 402 participants in the study, with 192 (47.8%) males and 210 (52.2%) females. The participants’ average age was 22.32.7 years. All of the participants (100%) were aware of the presence of SCD, with the most prevalent sources of knowledge being schools (38.1%) and health personnel (19.9%). Two hundred and seventy-seven participants (68.9%) had sufficient understanding of SCD, although many of them had misconceptions. The majority of the participants in this survey, 344 (85.6 percent), have a good attitude toward people with SCD.
Conclusion: The majority of people with an appropriate understanding of SCD had a favourable attitude, but those with insufficient information had the opposite perspective. The participants in this study have information gaps concerning SCD. Health education should be enhanced to provide students with an adequate comprehensive understanding of SCD to enable them to make educated marriage decisions, thus preventing the reproduction of SCD-affected children.

Keywords: Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, Anaemia, Sickle Cell Disease

I. INTRODUCTION

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder marked by abnormal (sickle) red blood cells. The most common and severe form of SCD is sickle cell anemia, which is caused by inheriting sickle cells from both parents. When sickle cells lose oxygen, their form changes from biconcave to crescent, causing anemia, organ damage, and early death (1, 2). Offspring who inherit the sickle cell trait from only one

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