Maternal knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease and its Predictors in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of haemoglobin and the most common genetic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The knowledge of mothers about the hereditary basis of SCD in our locality is yet to be ascertained. Objectives: The study determined the knowledge of mothers regarding its cause /inheritance pattern and identified demographic factors related to it. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 793 mothers attending the antenatal and postnatal clinics of a tertiary hospital in southeast Nigeria were consecutively recruited and data was collected using a pretested questionnaire. Results: The modal age group of the mothers was 21-30 years. Almost all were married 788 (99.4%). More than half (59.1%) had a university education. A majority, 565 (71.2%) are employed while 228 (28.8%) are unemployed. Those whose spouses have university education were 71.1%. Almost all participants (95%) were Christians. The majority (70.9%) had good knowledge of sickle cell disease, of which 67.3% knew that sickle cell disease is inherited from both parents while 3.5% knew it is a blood disorder. Mothers' and fathers' educational levels were good predictors of knowledge about sickle cell disease (P =0.0001). Conclusion: This study showed a good knowledge of the sickle cell mode of inheritance among mothers. However, there is a need for more emphasis on promoting sickle cell education by including the subject in the health education curriculum of schools at all levels in the country and also community education programmes to reach those outside the school system. The adoption of religious bodies as critical stakeholders in sickle cell disease prevention and education will enhance awareness about sickle cell disease.