Evaluating the Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease and Hemoglobin Electrophoretic Pattern among People Living in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis; Ghana
J. Med. Trop
;
16(2): 56-60, 2014.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1263148
ABSTRACT
Background:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited lifelong hemolytic disorder affecting many children in sub-Saharan Africa; especially in West and Central Africa. There is a limited public health education on SCD in Ghana with only two information centers in Accra and Kumasi; respectively.Methodology:
This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge of SCD among people living in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. Churches; saloons; internet cafes and bus stations were randomly selected in the center of the city with proximity to the central market.Results:
A total of 621 individuals were recruited; 52.5 (326) had knowledge of their hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoretic pattern while 47.5 (295) had none. In addition; 93.4 individuals had knowledge of SCD while 6.6 had no knowledge of SCD. Older individuals exhibited better knowledge of their Hb electrophoretic pattern than the younger ones (P = 0.019). Individuals with tertiary education and married couples exhibited higher knowledge of SCD when compared to their counterparts (P 0.001).Conclusion:
Despite the relatively high knowledge of SCD and Hb electrophoretic pattern observed in this study; it is very important to increase neonatal screenings and health care services to the region. In addition; more emphasis is needed to increase public awareness of SCD especially in schools; churches; hospitals and the media
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Hemoglobins
/
Health Education
/
Neonatal Screening
/
Electrophoresis
/
Anemia
Type of study:
Observational study
Language:
English
Journal:
J. Med. Trop
Year:
2014
Type:
Article
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