Individual factors influencing sickle cell trait testing among youths aged 18-35 years in Village Inn Cell Agulu, Division, Apac Municipality, Apac District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i8.12Keywords:
Sickle cell awareness, genetic screening, youth knowledge, premarital testing, health education, screening uptakeAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to assess individual factors influencing sickle cell trait testing among youths aged 18-35 years in Village Inn Cell Agulu, Division, Apac Municipality, Apac District.
Methodology:
A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among youths aged 18–35 years in Village Inn Cell, Agulu Division, Apac Municipality, Apac District. A sample of 40 participants was selected using simple random sampling through the lottery method. Data were collected using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire containing open- and closed-ended questions. Data were analyzed manually using Microsoft Excel and presented in tables, pie charts, and frequency distributions. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before data collection.
Results:
The study involved 40 participants, with 67.5% females and 32.5% males. Most participants were aged 24–29 years (50%), followed by 30–35 years (30%) and 18–23 years (20%). Half were married (50%), while 35% were single. Regarding education, 42.5% had a tertiary education, 30% secondary, 20% primary, and 7.5% had no formal education. Most participants (87.5%) had heard of sickle cell disease, but knowledge was poor, with only 17.5% correctly identifying it as an inherited blood disorder. Misconceptions were common, including 30% believing it was leukemia. Only 25% had heard of sickle cell trait testing, and 67.5% had never tested. Although 75% were willing to test, only 17.5% supported mandatory testing. Fear of stigma (40%) was the main reason for refusal. Lack of information (48%) was the major barrier to testing.
Conclusion:
Poor knowledge and misconceptions about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait reduced testing uptake, despite participants' willingness to test when informed.
Recommendation:
Health workers should provide regular health education to youths and community members on sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, and the importance of sickle cell trait testing.
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