Perceptions of Sickle Cell Disease Among Undergraduate's University Students in Selected University At KSA

Abstract

Background: Hemoglobin disorders such as Sickle cell disease (SCD) have been acknowledged to be of great public health concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. To reduce the tremendous public health and economic burden SCD exerts on many countries, the WHO is urging countries, especially those in Africa, to increase public awareness of the disease. Such awareness programme among the university students will go a long way to prevent the birth of children with this painful genetic condition. Aim: To assess the level of perception with SCD, among undergraduate students of the University of hafr Albatin KSA. Subject and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 172 participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software, version 25. Results: there are a statistically significant correlation between student's anxiety during exams and their quality of life ((p <0.001). Conclusion &recommendations: In general, there was inadequate knowledge on SCD despite the high level of awareness among participants. Recommendation: Findings of the study highlights the need for continuous effective health education on sickle cell disease to students whose reproductive health choices will either increase or decrease the sickle cell disease burden in the very near future.