Knowledge and Awareness of Sickle Cell Anemia: Cross Sectional Study among the General Population in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder. The red blood cells are sickle in shape by polymerization of the Hemoglobin molecule caused by a β-globin gene defect that leads to Substitution of valine for glutamic acid in position 6 of the β-globin. It's an autosomal recessive inherited hematological disease. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of the sickle cell gene in the adult population is (4.2%) for sickle-cell trait and (0.26%) for SCD, with the highest prevalence was found in the eastern region. Consanguineous marriage gave a high incidence of the disease. The aim of the current study was to build interest to Knowledge assessment & awareness of Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) in different regions in Saudi society and try to spread more information about it. Also, assessing the willingness of society to do premarital testing to prevent genetical diseases.Results: A total number of 400 participants filled in the present study questionnaire. The overall percentage of awareness was 60.16%