AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS PREMARITAL GENOTYPE SCREENING AMONG PEOPLE OF GAMA WARD, NASARAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE

Sickle cell disease (SCD) in Nigeria, as in other African countries, has the highest incidence which continues to cause high morbidity and mortality rate. The condition is a major public health problem among the black race. This research was carried out on the awareness and attitude toward premarital genotype screening among resident of Gama Ward Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. The objective of the study is to assess the awareness and attitude towards premarital genotype screening. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. Relevant literature related to the study was reviewed. The sample size of (150) residents was used for the study. Structured questionnaires were distributed among the respondents. The data was analyzed using frequency table and simple percentage. From the analysis, the data reveal that the majority of respondents (58.7%) correctly identified the primary purpose of premarital genotype screening as ruling out sickle cell disorder, while a smaller proportion (34.0%) associated it with detecting blood abnormalities. The findings also highlight significant barriers to adherence to premarital genotype screening among respondents, with emotional, social, and practical concerns emerging as the most prominent obstacles. The most frequently cited barrier was the fear of losing an intending spouse due to genetic incompatibility, reported by 69.3% of participants . Base on this findings, the following recommendations were outline; there is need for continues health education to keep the good trend of awareness of premarital genotype screening among people. Health workers especially nurses should intensify their public enlighten campaign to address the issue of stigma and discrimination among people living with sickle cell diseases, Government should institute strict policies on premarital genotype screening to ensure that individuals going into marriage knew their status before marriage. Religious leaders should educate their residents on premarital screening. Non-governmental organizations should provide free genotype testing and counseling centers in all areas of the country including the rural areas. Key words: awareness, attitude, premarital genotype screening, resident