Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common multisystem hereditary blood disorder in Saudi Arabia, with a variable prevalence from one area to another. Current epidemiological information about the condition focuses on some specific areas, with a lack of true incidence in the country. This study aimed to assess the awareness regarding sickle cell anemia, its risk factors (RF), symptoms, prevention, and its management among Riyadh residents.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, employing a self-administered and a pretested questionnaire developed after considering the previously published reviews and opinions from epidemiological experts. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v23. A p-value of 0.05 or less was considered significant.
Result: We had 200 participants involved in this study; among them, 11.5% (n = 23) had SCD. We found that the general level of awareness was higher regarding RF, prevention, management, and lower symptom identification of SCD. We also found that the level of knowledge regarding SCD RF was high in 72% (n = 144), and was poor regarding the awareness of SCD symptoms (63%; n = 125). There was a statistically significant association
between management and both genders (p = 0.03), while no significant association was found between different education levels and awareness of SCD (p > 0.1).
Conclusion: Overall, the level of awareness regarding SCD was low, with limited understanding of SCD; however, there was an association between gender and the level of awareness. We conclude that there is a need to increase public awareness about SCD which could address the misconceptions and increase knowledge among the general public.

Key words: Sickle cell disease, sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, SCD, awareness, Riyadh