Sickle Cell Disease Premarital Screening Among Youth Corps Members in Osun State, Nigeria
This study investigated the utilization of premarital screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) and the factors associated with it among youth corps members in Osun State, Nigeria. The research aimed to understand the extent to which young adults undergoing mandatory national service are engaging with SCD screening before marriage. It also sought to identify demographic, social, and knowledge-based factors that influence their decision to utilize or forgo this important health service. Understanding these elements is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve SCD awareness and screening uptake. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for public health initiatives focused on preventing the transmission of SCD. The study specifically focused on the population of youth corps members, a demographic group undergoing a significant life transition. Osun State was chosen as the study location within Nigeria. The research contributes to the broader effort of managing and reducing the burden of genetic blood disorders in the country. It highlights the importance of accessible and well-communicated health services for young adults.
This study addresses a critical public health concern regarding the genetic inheritance of sickle cell disease within a specific demographic in Nigeria. By examining premarital screening utilization among youth corps members, the research probes the intersection of mandatory national service, personal health decisions, and genetic counseling. The analysis of associated factors can illuminate systemic barriers or enablers to informed reproductive choices. Future public health strategies might leverage insights from this study to enhance awareness campaigns and integrate screening more effectively into pre-marital pathways, potentially reducing the incidence of SCD in subsequent generations. Understanding the uptake of such services is vital for long-term health planning and resource allocation in managing genetic disorders.
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