Abstract:

Background; Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there are no enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, the red blood cells are in sickles or crescent shapes. It has been characterized with numerous clinical consequences. Some parents living with children with SCA have knowledge about genetic testing for sickle cell anemia however there are still some parents without knowledge about genetic testing for sickle cell anemia. Some of parents have no good attitude towards their children who are living with sickle cell anemia because of the myths existing in the community or they may have bias due to personal belief. Therefore, adequate mobilization of educative programs on importance of genetic counseling should be done, facilities should be provided for genotype screening freely for the members of the society so as to identify early the children with sickle cell anemia and being able to prevent the complications so as to improve their lives.

Objectives; Assessment of parental attitude and knowledge towards sickle cell anemia and genetic testing in children at Bugando Medical Centre.

Methodology; This cross sectional study design was carried out among parents/guardians with children with SCA attending or admitted at BMC pediatric wards. Participants participated face-to-face interview and others were reading the questionnaire and answer it after reading and understanding the consent form. Obtained data were entered in Microsoft excel for cleaning, then transferred to STATA for analysis.

Results; From the study 87% of care takers in the wards were mothers, Among all care takers, 76% were married and 23% of all respondents had a known family history of SCA whereby in education level 54% had primary education. Attitude was good hence 92% of the respondents feared to lose their children and nobody believed SCA to be a work of devil or evil spirits. Their knowledge also was good hence 98% of the respondents knew that SCA is inherited from parents to their children and also 74% of the respondents knew that SCA has to be tested before marriage.

Conclusion; This study gives a clear picture on the attitude towards children with SCA and knowledge of sickle cell screening among parents with children having SCA, good attitude towards their children brings about great care and hence quick detection when child is ill or faces difficulties.