Prevention of sickle cell disease by prenatal diagnosis – opinion of female health workers in osogbo, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease has remained one of the commonest genetic haematological disorders which could be successfully managed by prenatal diagnosis if adequately utilized. Since female health workers would most likely witness the various complications associated with this condition and being women that are directly involved in child birth and caring, there is thus a need to assess the influence of their exposure on the willingness to accept this preventive measure.Methodology: Structured questionnaires were administered to female health workers of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.Result: One hundred and seventy six respondents were obtained. A significant proportion of the respondents, 83(47.2%), did not accept termination of pregnancy in first trimester after confirmation by prenatal diagnosis, 38(21.6%) were undecided while only 53(31.3%) agreed . Only 21 (11.9%) of the respondents knew that facilities for prenatal diagnosis are available in Nigeria.Conclusion: Despite the fact that these female health workers are aware of inherent dangers of sickle cell disease, there is strong opposition to use of prenatal diagnosis in preventive measure, thus aggressive genetic counseling remains the only realistic option.