Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anaemia is widely distributed in African and American negroes. It also seen in Arabian peninsula, Indian Subcontinent and parts of Europe. A high prevalence has been demonstrated in various tribal communities of Gujarat.

Aims & Objective: To assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about sickle cell anaemia in patients with positive Sickle Cell Status.

Materials and Methods: Cross Sectional Observational Study from June 2010 to May 2011. 276 patients with purposive sampling in Bardoli Taluka having sickle cell positivity in age group of 18 to 30 years were taken.

Results: Only 16% of the study participants knew correct symptoms of Sickle cell anaemia. 30 % patients were availing the treatment of some kind. It was observed that females were more active as compared to males in taking medication for Sickle Cell Anaemia and the difference between them was found to be significant. It was found that 96 % of the study participants had received Color coded cards after testing showing the high accomplishment of mass screening programs in identifying Sickle Cell Status by simple means. But approximately 90% didn’t know the cause of disease and only 52 (18 %) were counselled about this disease. More than 95% of the participants were unaware regarding their haemoglobin status.

Conclusion: All the strategies for the prevention of this outrageous disease will be effective only if they are utilized to its maximal extent by creating more awareness to the affected and also the other population.

Key words: Sickle Cell Anaemia; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Awareness; KAP Study