Distribution of haemoglobin genotypes, knowledge, attitude and practices towards sickle cell disease among unmarried youths in the Buea Health District, Cameroon

INTRODUCTION: sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the commonest genetic causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. In resource-limited settings, SCD prevention through public education and screening could be a significant strategy to curb its prevalence. The study aimed at determining the distribution of haemoglobin genotypes among unmarried youths in Buea, Cameroon as well as their knowledge, attitude and practices towards SCD. METHODS: a community-based, analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted within the city of Buea. Data was collected from 410 youths using self-administered questionnaires. Of the 410 youths, 100 were selected by purposive random sampling and their haemoglobin genotyping was done using haemoglobin electrophoresis. The data was analysed using the statistical software Epi Info Version 7. RESULTS: the majority (51.5%) of the 410 respondents were females. The modal age range was 18- 21 years (46.8%) and 60.4% had tertiary education. Less than one quarter (20.5%) had good knowledge of SCD. Only 13.2% knew their genotype and 59.3% were willing to avoid carrier marriages. Out of the 100 participants for genotyping, 84.0% had normal haemoglobin (HbAA) and 16.0% had the sickle cell trait (HbAS). CONCLUSION: most of the respondents had moderate knowledge of SCD. Only a few knew their haemoglobin genotype and more than half were willing to avoid carrier marriages. The prevalence of sickle cell trait is high in Buea. The promotion of preventive methods like public education and genetic screening is recommended to reduce the burden of SCD in Cameroon.