Knowledge and Attitude of Sickle Cell Disease Among Students of Federal University, Lokoja In Kogi State

Abstract

Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited abnormality of the red blood cell characterized by chronic haemolytic anaemia with numerous clinical consequences. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Sickle Cell Disease among students of Federal University, Lokoja in Kogi state. The sample for the study was six hundred (600) Students selected through simple random technique from the three departments selected from the three faculties used for the study. A self-structured questionnaire validated and tested for reliability was used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics of percentage and Chi-square to analyze the research questions and hypotheses respectively. The study concluded that students of the Federal University have good knowledge about Sickle Cell Disease and also expressed positive attitude towards Sickle Cell Disease. The author recommended that more education should be done as this will help equip students to take informed decision and action as well as to instil into the students and the society in general the right attitude towards Sickle Cell Disease.