Improving Knowledge and Attitude of Medical and Non-Medical Students at El Minia University Regarding Premarital Screening and Counseling

Abstract

Background: Premarital screening is a worldwide activity that aims to diagnose and treat unrecognized disorders and reduce the transmission of diseases to couples and children, it is considered as the primary preventive approach for couples who planned for conception. Premarital counseling is offered to young couples on their way to marriage in order to guide, educate and prepare them for the establishment of a healthy family. Promotion and protection of adolescent females from reproductive health hazards are very essential because they are the future couples. Aim of the study: The aim of this study were to assess knowledge and attitude toward pre-marital screening and counseling among medical and non- medical female students at El Minia University and evaluating the effectiveness of educational program on improving the students' knowledge and attitude toward pre-marital screening and counseling. Subjects and Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used. It was conducted at two medical and two non-medical faculties at El Minia University. A convenient sample of 500 students enrolled in the above mentioned settings was recruited. Results It can be observed that, there was a statistical significant improvement regarding total knowledge and attitude. The total knowledge score increased from 32.3% to 54.0% among medical students and from 21.0% to 41.0% among non-medical students and the difference is statistically significant. In addition, the positive attitude increased from 54.7% to 66.0% among medical students and from 49.0% to 57.5% among non-medical students. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Although there was an improvement in the level of knowledge for all students in both groups after health education but they still had insufficient knowledge about premarital screening and counseling. While more than one half from each group expressed favorable and positive attitude toward premarital screening and counseling. Recommendations: On the light of these findings, it is recommended to conduct health education services about premarital screening among high schools and university students at El Minia governorate to increase the population awareness and influence their attitudes toward Premarital screening and counseling services.