Abstract:

Background: Sickle cell trait is a condition whereby one allele carries a gene for sickle cell disease. People who have the trait majority are not aware about it because their lifestyle is just normal compared to other individuals and so they are fit for donation but their blood should not be used for infants and sickle cell disease patients. This study determined the prevalence of sickle cell trait among blood donors who come for blood donation at Bugando transfusion unit in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Methodology: This study was a hospital based cross sectional study that involved 320 blood donors conducted at BMC, Mwanza. Blood was collected on dried blood spots from every study participant and processed accordingly to standard operating procedures.

Results: Among 320 blood donors, 80 (25%) had sickle cell trait. Positive male were 61 and positive female were 19. First time blood donors who had SCT were 44, repeat blood donors were 25 and regular blood donors were 11.82% of the total blood donors had knowledge on sickle cell disease.

Conclusion: The prevalence of sickle cell trait among blood donors at Bugando transfusion unit was 25%. Health care providers should be alert that individuals with SCT may be unaware of their condition and potential reproductive and health implications. Screening and reporting procedures should be examined to ensure individuals have access to and control of this vital health information.