Knowledge and attitude of post-natal mothers in al ain medical district about hereditary blood disorders (sickle cell disease, thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency)

Abstract

Background: Hereditary haemolytic anaemia has been considered as a major health problem in many countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the prevalence is not decreasing due to lack of knowledge, unorganised teamwork and services, lack of support groups and inadequate research in the fields of prevention and control. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitude of post-natal mothers in Al-Ain medical district towards common hereditary haemolytic anaemias (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency, thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia), as a step towards decreasing the prevalence of these diseases amongst the population. Our main objective was to assess understanding of common hereditary haemolytic anaemias as well as to measure the attitude of mothers in Al Ain towards these diseases. Methods: The study was analytical cross-section survey conducted in the period from 23 August to 16 September 2003, in Al Ain Medical District, UAE, in three main hospitals: Al Ain Hospital, Tawam Hospital and Oasis Hospital. An interview-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 11. Results: Analysis of the study showed a significant difference amongst participants who heard about G6PD deficiency, according to different age groups, the (18–24) age group had more knowledge about G6PD deficiency when compare with other age groups (P = 0.008). Another significant difference amongst individuals who heard about G6PD deficiency, according to different educational level was as follows: 31% less than secondary school, 60.6% completed secondary school and 50% for higher educational level (P = 0.033). Similarly, for G6PD deficiency, mothers from GCC countries were more aware of G6PD deficiency when compare with other nationals (P = 0.006). Of the total participants, 90% agreed on the importance of genetic counselling before marriage. As the best method of increasing knowledge about hereditary anaemias, media campaigns were the preferred approach having 70.6% voting for it, followed by the approach of educating schoolchildren with 43.1% approval. Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge amongst post-natal mothers in Al Ain Medical District about common hereditary anaemias compared to a good attitude towards prevention of these disorders.