Knowledge of Premarital Genotype Screening Among Women Receiving Care at a Tertiary Centre in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell disease is a major genetic disease with the greatest burden in sub-Saharan Africa, of which Nigeria is the epicenter. Premarital genotype screening for sickle cell disease is a tool of immense value in the prevention of the condition. This study sought to determine the level of knowledge on premarital genotype screening among women, identify their perceived relevance of premarital genotype screening in a bid to identify gaps in knowledge and provide basis for evidence based interventions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, with the data collected using structured, interviewer- administered questionnaire. A total of 680 questionnaires were administered and retrieved. Results: The majority of respondents, 452(66.5%) were between 25-34 years while 506 (74.9%) had a tertiary education and predominant tribe and religion was Igbo and Christianity. About 85% were aware of SCD while about a quarter 183(26.9%) have no knowledge of premarital genotype screening sickle cell disease the premarital screening for the disease. Less than half, 227(45.7%) correctly knows that the relevance of premarital genotype screening. Almost half had negative attitude towards the premarital screening, with 88.97% recommending that the screening be made compulsory for all intending couples. Most (72.76%) of the respondents carried out the premarital screening when they got married. The educational attainment and previous knowledge of genotype status of the respondents significantly influenced the uptake of the screening (p-value = 0.0001, p=0.004 respectively). Conclusion: The level of awareness of premarital genotype screening did not translate to good knowledge since a good number of the respondents' demonstrated negative perception towards its relevance. Public health education is needed to correctly deploy premarital genotype screening in reducing SCD burden.