IJCM_364A: A Cross Sectional Study on Sickle Cell Disease awareness among adolescents in a tribal district of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) poses a substantial health concern in India, especially among tribal populations. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Tribal Health Expert Committee has identified SCD as one of the top 10 challenges in tribal health. This study aims to assess the knowledge gap about SCD among school-going adolescents in a tribal district of Maharashtra. Objective: 1. To assess awareness of sickle cell anaemia among adolescents aged 12-18 years in a tribal district of Maharashtra 2. To provide recommendations based on study findings. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tribal district of Maharashtra, involving 394 school-going adolescents. Participant’s knowledge of sickle cell anaemia was assessed through face-to-face interview after obtaining necessary permissions from concerned authorities and assent from the participants. Data collection included information on general awareness, understanding of disease transmission, familiarity with sickle cell crisis, and preventive measures, with strict maintenance of data confidentiality. Results: Out of the 394 participants surveyed, 212 (53.8%) were females, and 182 (46.2%) were males. Only 19 students (5%) demonstrated awareness of SCD, with 16 (7.5%) females and 3 (1.6%) males out of the total. Surprisingly, none (0%) had knowledge of its transmission or had undergone screening for SCD. Within the aware subset, only 3 (15%) recognized Sickle Cell Crises, and a lone respondent (5%) was aware of its preventive measures. Conclusion: The study highlights a notable lack of sickle cell disease awareness among school-going adolescents in Maharashtra’s tribal district, posing a potential public health challenge. Urgent, tailored interventions are essential to sensitize the future generation, aligning with SDG 3, which aims for improved health and well -being through enhanced understanding and awareness.