ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF PRE-MARITA GENETIC SCREENING OF SICKLE CELL DISEASES AMONG UNDER-GRADUATE STUDENT OF UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI

In Nigeria annually, 150,000 children are born with sickle cell anemia. One way of preventing sickle cell disease is through premarital genetic counseling and screening. This study therefore assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception of premarital genetic screening of sickle cell disease among undergraduate students of University of Maiduguri. The study was descriptive and cross sectional in design. Four hundred respondents were randomly selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that was self-administered with a Kish Leslie formula for descriptive study. It was analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that more than half 215 (53.8%) of the respondents were males while 185 (46.3%) of the respondents were females. Three hundred and fifteen of the respondents were between the age range of 20-24 years with the mean age of 23.20 and SD±3.169. A total of 256 (64.0%) of respondents had heard of premarital genetic services while, 246 (61.8%) agreed that intending couples should attend premarital genetic screening and thus showed positive attitude. Another 356 (89.8%) of the respondents would undergo premarital genetic services if it is available. There was moderate knowledge on premarital genetic screening of sickle cell disease. In conclusion, the respondents had good knowledge on premarital genetic screening of sickle cell disease. The respondents also had good attitude, perception and acceptability of premarital genetic services. All sectors should increase efforts in creating awareness about premarital genetic services and where the services are rendered.