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. 2010 Jul-Aug;30(4):284-8.
doi: 10.4103/0256-4947.65256.

Public awareness of sickle cell disease in Bahrain

Shaikha Al Arrayed  1 , Amani Al Hajeri
Affiliations

Public awareness of sickle cell disease in Bahrain

Shaikha Al Arrayed et al. Ann Saudi Med. 2010 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Previous studies that have assessed patient awareness of the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) indicated a lack of awareness of the disease and possibly a need for more public education. Therefore, we measured public awareness in Bahrain of SCD.

Methods: The study was conducted from December 2006 to February 2007. A questionnaire was distributed among 2000 persons selected from among the general public. The participants had face-to-face interviews with either a health professional or a trained interviewer.

Results: Most (93%) had heard of SCD and 89% knew that it can be diagnosed by a blood test, but 51% did not know the prevalence of SCD in Bahrain. Eighty-four percent recognized it as a hereditary disorder and 72% said that it can skip generations. Females showed better knowledge than males and married persons seems to know more about SCD than unmarried ones.

Conclusion: There is a good level of knowledge about SCD among the public, though some of the respondents were confused about the difference between the carrier state of a disease and the disease itself. There is wide acceptance and appreciation of the SCD prevention campaigns being conducted in Bahrain, such as the premarital service and the student screening program.

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