Exploring the Gap Between Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Thalassemia Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in the United Arab Emirates.

Abstract

Thalassemia is humanity's most common genetic disorder and represents a serious healthcare challenge in the United Arab Emirates. Increasing awareness is a crucial part of any successful strategy to prevent thalassemia. This research examined knowledge levels and attitudes regarding thalassemia screening, counseling, and monitoring from medical and nonmedical students at Ajman University. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted among a convenience sample of Ajman university students in the UAE. A questionnaire was distributed which was composed of three main sections. The first section covered participants' demographic data. The second section covered general knowledge of thalassemia and its screening measures. The third section assessed risk factors, regulations, and preventive measures. The data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. A total of 523 participants completed the whole survey. Generally, there was a good level of awareness of thalassemia and thalassemia screening among participants. Approximately three-quarters of participants (76.5%) agreed that thalassemia screening should be compulsory for the individual and the majority of students and 92.7% recognized the importance of thalassemia screening for both partners. Approximately three-quarters (75.9%) of participants disagreed that fetuses with thalassemia should be aborted. More than half of the participants disagreed that thalassemia carriers and patients should be prevented from marrying each other. Generally, older respondents (final year students), respondents who had dealt with thalassemia patients, and respondents with relatives with thalassemia had more comprehensive knowledge of thalassemia. Campaigns focusing on college and university students should be regarded as an essential element of the thalassemia prevention strategy for contemporary UAE society.