Determinants of perception and willingness to uptake premarital screening test for sickle cell disease among health sciences undergraduate students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Date
2024-11-19
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kairuki University
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease is a serious genetic disorder with a significant
global burden. The significant burden of SCD in Tanzania and the substantial
economic, psychological and social costs, highlights the significance of premarital
genetic screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) for timely diagnosis as well as for
identifying carriers of SCT.
Objectives: The objective of the was study to assess the determinants of
perception and willingness to uptake premarital screening test for sickle cell disease
among health sciences undergraduate students in Kairuki University, Dar es Salaam
Tanzania.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional design was used among 448
undergraduate students (aged 18-35 years) who were selected using stratified
random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data via
Google forms. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 25 and presented as Tables
and Charts. Bivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship
between multiple independent variables and dependent variable (perception).
Results: The study found out that more than half of the students (57.3%) had
good perception regarding premarital screening and the majority agreed to uptake
premarital genetic screening for Sickle Cell Disease. Respondents who received
information from healthcare professionals had significant association with good
perception.
Conclusions: In summary, over half of the respondents (57.24%) had a good
perception of premarital screening for sickle cell disease. Most respondents had
good perception on premarital screening and the influencing factor that has been
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found appropriate information from healthcare providers. Moreover, a substantial
percentage of respondents (92.2%) expressed their intention to undergo premarital
genetic screening for sickle cell disease. This indicates a high level of awareness and
a willingness to take proactive health measures prior to marriage, demonstrating a
favourable attitude toward genetic screening.
Recommendations: The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender,
Elderly and Children in collaboration with the Ministry of Education should develop a
curriculum focused on educating the public about premarital genotype screening for
sickle cell disease. This education should be delivered through various media
channels, schools, health facilities, and public meetings to ensure that everyone in
the community can participate in addressing and preventing sickle cell disease and
is empowered to make informed choices in relation to genetic screening for Sickle
Cell Disease before marriage.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Public Health
Keywords
Sickle cell disease, premarital genetic screening for SCD, informed choice
Citation
Ndaigeze, Indo 2024. Determinants of perception and willingness to uptake premarital screening test for sickle cell disease among health sciences undergraduate students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Kairuki University