Assessment of Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease and Premarital Genotyping among Youths in Mairi Ward, Jere Local Government of Borno State North-Eastern Nigeria

Knowledge on premarital genotyping and sickle cell disease among youths could constitute an important variable that influences their choice of spouse. The study assessed the knowledge on premarital genotyping and Sickle Cell Disease among youths in Mairi Ward, Jere Local Government area of Borno State, North-eastern Nigeria.

A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study and 350 youths were selected using available non-probability sampling. The participants voluntarily completed a self- administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was structured and validated (Cronbach-Alpha of 0.85). Data were analysed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21.

The age bracket of participants was 14-35 years, modal range 26-30 years. The majority (95.6%) of the respondents had general awareness about the existence of SCD and pre-marital genotyping through internet, but comprehensive knowledge about the mode of diagnosis, signs and symptoms as well as preventive measures was low. Knowledge of Pre-Marital genotype Testing and SCD was significantly related to marital status and level of education. The study recommends that, if sickle cell disease control strategies must yield any significant results, there is need to intensify the use of mass media in imparting knowledge of SCD and premarital genotyping in the community since very many of the respondents knew sickle cell disease through mass media.