Knowledge of and attitudes to sickle cell disease and sickle carrier screening among new graduates of Nigerian tertiary educational institutions

Abstract

Six hundred and ten new graduates of Nigerian tertiary institutions were studied for their knowledge of and attitude to sickle cell disorders. A questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge and attitudes. Then a two-hour educational seminar on the basic genetics, transmission, and implications for the affected individuals and their families, of sickle cell disease (SCD) and carrier states was conducted. Sickle carrier screening was undertaken by cellulose acetate haemoglobin electrophoresis. A sickle carrier frequency of 21.6% was found and the questionnaires revealed severely deficient knowledge of the transmission of SCD among the 20-32 year old graduates. After the seminar there was eagerness among the graduates to know their sickle status. It is concluded that unmarried youths in, or graduating from, higher educational institutions may be a most suitable target for information, carrier detection and genetic counselling in the prevention and control of sickle cell disorders.