Determinants of Sickle Cell Disease Premarital Screening Utilization among Youth Corps Members in Iwo Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract Background : Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic condition in the world. Nigeria has the highest burden of Sickle cell disease in the world with the prevalence of sickle cell trait and the homozygous form as 25% and 2%, respectively. Prevention of SCD is crucial among unmarried adults. Premarital screening is an important strategy for the prevention of SCD. Yet, the prevalence of SCD is still rising as a result of a lack of knowledge, accessibility, affordability of health care services, cultural and religious beliefs about the disease and an unwillingness to participate in premarital screening The study assessed the determinants of SCD premarital screening utilization among youth corps members in Iwo Local Government areas, Osun State, Nigeria. Methods : .A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Population consists of 365 youth corps members, Sample size of 297 participants was determined using the Leslie Kish formula A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to select 297 participants in Iwo Local Government Area, Osun State. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection with reliability coefficient scoring from 0.731(α)-0.85(α) Response rate was 99%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, at significance level of 0.05. Results : Findings showed that the majority (91.2%) had adequate knowledge of sickle cell disease. Regarding premarital screening, the majority (88.8%) demonstrated adequate knowledge. All participants showed willingness to undergo premarital screening. Utilization of premarital screening was reported by the majority (73.8%). Emotional preparedness to handle any results from premarital screening and history of premarital genetic counselling were significantly associated with utilization of genotype premarital screening. Knowledge and utilization of sickle cell disease premarital screening, willingness and utilization of sickle cell disease premarital screening were not statistically significant with the p-value > 0.05 Conclusion : The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing sociocultural perceptions misconception, enhancing public awareness, and ensuring accessibility to foster greater adoption of premarital screening.