Student's knowledge and attitude toward hemoglobinopathies premarital screening

Abstract

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are common in Saudi Arabia. The highest prevalence of thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD) was observed in the Eastern and Jazan regions. Premarital screening (PMS) is recommended as an effective primary preventive measure. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude of secondary school students toward hemoglobinopathies PMS program. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary school students enrolled at governmental schools in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, throughout the 2019–2020 scholastic year. Data were collected by a self-administered, validated Arabic questionnaire. Results: Four hundred and forty-eight participating students, nearly two-thirds were female (69.2%). Approximately half (51.1%) reported a history of parental consanguinity. The prevalence of hemoglobinopathies was 3.6% and prevalence of carrier status was 9.4%. A good knowledge level was reported among 55.4%, 52.9%, and 17.9% of students, regarding SCD, beta-thalassemia, and hemoglobinopathies, respectively. Positive attitude toward hemoglobinopathies, marital and PMS were observed among 85%. More than 80% of students agreed to do the hemoglobinopathies screening test while still in secondary school (P = 0.006). Conclusion: There is an apparent gap between the knowledge and attitude of secondary school students in Jazan regarding hemoglobinopathies and PMS Program.

Keywords

• attitudes
• hemoglobinopathies
• jazan
• knowledge
• pms
• saudi arabia
• students