Attitudes and practices of unmarried adults towards sickle cell disease: emergent factors from a cross sectional study in Nigeria's capital

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a genetic autosomal blood disorder that causes red blood cells to turn rigid and crescent shaped. The condition ultimately results to several complications leading to organ damage. This study aimed at assessing attitudes and practices of unmarried adults towards sickle cell disease.

Methods: A cross sectional study was undertaken in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken.

Results: Male and female participants were of a similar proportion as represented by 52% and 48%. The overall mean score for attitude towards sickle disease was 6.60 ± 2.583 (range; 0-11). A higher attitude score was observed among female participants (p = 0.012), older participants reported a better attitude towards sickle cell disease (p < 0.001), and level of education also influenced perception towards the disease (p < 0.001). Three-quarters of the participants (73.4%) supported the need for contextual legislation to prohibit marriage between two sickle cell carriers. More than one-tenth of the sample (14.4%) indicated that they would marry someone with sickle cell disease irrespective of their own genotype. Whilst two-thirds of the study participants (67.1%) indicated that they would prioritise sickle cell screening in their relationships, a third of them (33.3%) expressed a contrary standpoint.

Conclusion: Findings emanating from this research can guide Government and other critical Stakeholders in developing contextual policies and practices that will reduce the burden of sickle cell disorder.

Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia; blood disorder; genotype; public health; trait.