Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease and Preventive Practices among Couples in Abalama Community, Rivers State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54117/ksxrve44Keywords:
Sickle Cell Disease, Knowledge, Preventive Practices, Premarital Screening, Genotype Testing, Nigeria, Abalama CommunityAbstract
Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, despite sustained awareness campaigns on genotype testing and premarital counseling. Preventive practices such as premarital screening are often influenced by sociocultural beliefs, misconceptions, and inadequate health education, especially in semi-rural communities.
Objective: This study assessed the level of knowledge and preventive practices regarding SCD among couples in Abalama community, Rivers State, Nigeria, to identify existing gaps and inform community-based interventions.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, 168 couples were selected from nine war canoe houses in Abalama. Data were collected using a validated self-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages).
Results: Most respondents (94.1%) had heard of SCD and 95.2% were aware of genotype testing; however, misconceptions persisted, with 13.1% perceiving SCD as a lifelong sickness and 1.8% attributing it to spiritual causes. Although 72.6% of couples reported premarital genotype testing, nearly one-third (27.4%) did not test before marriage. Reasons for non-testing included the belief that testing was unnecessary (40%), lack of perceived risk (23.3%), religious objections (6.6%), and cultural prohibitions (3.3%). Educational attainment was high (81.5% tertiary), yet misconceptions and risk-prone attitudes persisted.
Conclusion: The study revealed high awareness but persistent knowledge–practice gaps in SCD prevention among couples in Abalama. Cultural and religious beliefs continue to influence marital and reproductive decisions despite medical awareness. Strengthening community-based education, integrating genetic counseling into primary healthcare, and engaging faith and traditional leaders are crucial for improving preventive practices and reducing the SCD burden in Nigeria.
