University students in Nigeria: knowledge, attitude toward sickle cell disease, and genetic counseling before marriage

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is an inherited debilitating and traumatic disease with severe morbidity and mortality among people of African descent. Children with sickle cell disease have difficulty in coping with school work due to their health conditions. In this cross-sectional survey of University of Ibadan Christian Pentecostal students, a majority of study respondents (63.6%) knew their AA genotype, had a high knowledge level of sickle cell disease, knew the benefits of genetic counseling, and had a positive attitude toward sickle cell disease and genetic counseling. More education about sickle cell disease and access to genetic counseling, especially for students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, is recommended.