SICKLE CELL

Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria due to its genetic nature, high prevalence, and associated morbidity. Despite increasing awareness campaigns, many individuals still fail to comply with preventive measures such as premarital screening. This study investigated the relationship between awareness and compliance towards premarital sickle cell screening among unmarried students in the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, Edo State. A correlational design was adopted, and 350 participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires
and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied. The findings revealed a high level of awareness regarding SCD and premarital screening among respondents; however, compliance was moderate. Although many students knew their genotype and acknowledged the importance of screening, cultural, emotional, and social factors still hindered full compliance. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between awareness and compliance (p = 0.067). The study concludes that awareness alone does not guarantee compliance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that address behavioral, cultural, and emotional barriers to effective screening practices.