article · Tanzania journal of health research/Tanzania Journal of Health Research
Sickle cell disease remains a widespread genetic condition in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, where premarital genetic screening serves as a primary prevention method. An investigation of 350 undergraduate students at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences assessed current awareness and perceptions concerning this screening. The findings indicate that knowledge levels are strongly influenced by the specific degree programme and the year of study, with senior medical students displaying greater understanding than their junior peers or students in other disciplines. Although most participants viewed screening favourably, including over two thirds who strongly affirmed its necessity, uncertainty persisted regarding personal marriage choices if both partners tested positive as carriers. The findings highlight the need for targeted genetic education within higher education curricula to bolster preventive healthcare and curb the transmission of inherited blood disorders.
Sickle cell disease causes significant health burdens across sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding how educated young adults perceive premarital screening helps public health authorities design better preventive strategies. Addressing gaps in knowledge and hesitation around marriage decisions can improve the uptake of genetic screening, ultimately reducing the transmission of severe hereditary diseases in future generations.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, as it focuses on academic survey data regarding student knowledge and attitudes.
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Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent genetic disorder in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. Premarital genetic screening is a key strategy to prevent SCD transmission. However, data on university students' knowledge and attitudes toward such screening in Tanzania are limited. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) regarding premarital genetic screening for SCD.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 undergraduate students from MUHAS using simple random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering socio-demographics, knowledge, and attitudes towards premarital screening. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate logistic regression using R.Results: The study revealed that the level of study and type of course enrolled were significant predictors of knowledge about premarital genetic screening for SCD. Medical students and senior students exhibited higher levels of knowledge compared to their peers in other disciplines and lower years of study. A majority of the students demonstrated a positive attitude towards premarital screening, with 67.4% strongly agreeing on its necessity. However, a significant portion (42%) were unsure if they would refrain from marriage if both partners were carriers of SCD.Conclusion: Targeted educational interventions are essential to improve awareness and knowledge of premarital genetic screening among university students. Integrating genetic education into university curricula can support preventive health efforts and reduce hereditary diseases like SCD. Future studies should explore these findings across diverse educational settings and include longitudinal designs to enhance generalizability.
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DOI: 10.4314/thrb.v26i6.17
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