Sickle Cell Genotype Screening among College Students: Evaluating Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is endemic in Nigeria, but adoption of premarital genotype screening has been low. Considering that undergraduate students play an important role in decisions regarding reproduction, it becomes imperative to evaluate their Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) concerning genotype screening to provide information for developing school-based strategies to reduce the prevalence of sickle cell disease through genotype screening. Objective: To determine the KAP and factors associated with genotype screening among undergraduate students in Ilorin, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on 410 students of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26, presenting data as frequencies and percentages. Association between socio-demographics and KAP was evaluated using chi-square test. Results: Respondents comprised mostly females (58.0%) aged 19-25 years (74.1%). Awareness of genotype testing was 82.2%, 89.5% had good knowledge, while 88.8% had positive attitude. The practice level was high, with 70.5% undergoing genotype testing, majorly for medical reasons (38.1%). Sources of information on genotype testing included health care workers (38.9%) and schools (35.6%). Inability to access (35.5%) was the most significant determinant of non-adherence. Level of education (p=0.015) and living conditions (p=0.024) were significant determinants of knowledge, but not attitude or practice. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude towards genotype screening among the undergraduates were high, and practice was encouraged by accessibility of the service. Accessibility was the major obstacle to the uptake of the service, not cost or lack of information. It is recommended that genotype screening be integrated as a free service into school health care programs and routine health services to ensure universal premarital genotype screening.