Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practices Towards Sickle Cell Disease Among Adults in Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Survey

Abstract

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is still a major inherited blood disease in Nigeria although the level of public knowledge of its mode of transmission, clinical manifestations and prevention is patchily documented at the community level. The knowledge, attitude and preventative behaviours of SCD among adults in Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria were investigated in this study. A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among 364 persons aged 18 years and above, selected from a target population of 4,000 using simple random sampling. Data were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire developed by the authors, comprising four sections, and reliability was determined using a pilot test (Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient = 0.9). The data were examined using frequencies, percentages and multiple linear regression. All respondents (100%) had heard about SCD and 81.0% knew someone living with the illness in person. However, only 53.6% of the respondents comprehended that SCD is genetic and knew how it is inherited, and only 33.0% knew the symptoms and problems of SCD with none of the respondents (0%) being aware of any viable treatment and management options. Regarding prevention, 81.0% identified the fact that certain variables can precipitate a sickle cell crisis while knowledge of specific preventive practices was less (33.0%-68.7%). Overall attitudes were supportive with 74.2% feeling that people with SCD deserve special support from the community and all respondents (100%) agreeing that families with a history of SCD should have genetic counselling. However, only 33.0% felt that community awareness was adequate and 56.3% felt that people with SCD experience stigma. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, education, married status) were not substantially related to knowledge of SCD (r = 0.28, p = 0.089) but were significantly related to knowledge of crisis prevention (r = 0.30, p = 0.023) and to attitudes toward SCD (r = 0.39, p = 0.041).There is a high level of public awareness about SCD in Isiala Mbano but low information about the genetics, symptoms and possible management of the disease and the level of community awareness is viewed as inadequate, despite generally supportive views. Targeted community health education led by nurses and increased access to genetic counselling are needed to address these gaps.

Keywords: Sickle Cell Illness; Knowledge; Attitudes; Prevention; Genetic Counselling; Nigeria

Citation

Ozuzu Augustine Ikenna. Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practices Towards Sickle Cell Disease Among Adults in Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Survey. WebLog J Nurs. wjnr.2026.i2501. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23234147