Knowledge, Attitude and Uptake of Premarital Screening for the Sickle Trait Among Married Couples in a Semi-Urban Community in South-South Nigeria

摘要: More than 24% of Nigerians are carriers the sickle cell gene, while about 2% all newborns in Nigeria born with disease. The disease is a lifelong cause severe morbidity that often require prolonged hospital admission; even as patients have 92% excess mortality. prevention therefore very important, especially whose contribution to global total has been projected increase. Premarital screening for gene considered one best ways preventing This study assessed knowledge, attitude and uptake premarital among married couples Choba, semi-urban community south-south Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, data collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire administered on male members community. 290 questionnaires were retrieved. respondents had an average age 30.55 ±4.1 years; majority (65.86%) tertiary education they Christians. All knew disease, 84.83% aware positive towards screening, 88.97% recommending be made compulsory intending couples. Most (72.76%) carried out when got married. age, educational attainment religious denomination significantly influenced (p-value > 0.001). 9.00% same HbAS genotype their intended spouses; which 21.05% went ahead married, citing reasons difficulty jettisoning spouses (25.00%); power God prevent child (75.00%). high study, programme not driven by government. input government however required providing health education, genetic counselling prenatal diagnosis.