INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Sickle cell disease (drepanocytosis) is a blood disease that mainly affects people

of African ancestry but also occurs in Mediterranean region and reaches high

frequency in parts of Saudi Arabia and India. It occurs when the sickle cell

gene has been inherited from both parent and is characterized by the production

of abnormal type of hemoglobin (sickle cell hemoglobin) Hbs which

precipitates in the red cell when the blood is deprived of oxygen forming

crystal that distort the cells into the characteristic sickle shape. This process is

known as sickling. Sickle cells are rapidly removed from the circulation leading

to anaemia and jaundice. This occurs because sickled cell lasts between 10-20

days in circulation.

Gupta (2008) explained that sickle cell disease is caused by inheritance of two

copies of sickle cell gene from both parents. It occurs if both parents have

sickle cells disease (SS). This usually shows on their off-springs. He further

mentioned some of the manifestation of sickle cell disease to include: fatigue

pale skin jaundice shortness of breath acute pain in the extremities (legs and

arms) low resistance of infection and stunted growth in children.

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The individual with sickle cell traits (HbAS) is protected from sickle cell

symptoms and complication by the presence as well as HbA. He is largely

protected from death caused by malaria especially in early childhood by the

presence of Hbs. Thus he enjoys the best of both worlds and is naturally better

adopted to the malaria infested environment than the individual with the normal

AA who is more liable to childhood death from malaria or the sickle cell

affected one with HbSS in whom malaria easily induces a lethal degree of

anaemia.

Hence more person with HbAS survived to reproduce and pass the Hbs gene

onto their progeny. Thus prevalence of sickle cell trait (HbAS) increased in

each successive generation. Falciparum malaria therefore encouraged the

expansion of the gene within the population by conferring on healthy carriers a

selective survival advantage. Conversely when population emigrated to a

non-endemic malaria-zone the incidence of the Hbs gradually waned over many

generations owing to the absence of the selective survival and reproductive

advantage. This phenomenon is demonstrated in South Africa in the West

Indies and in the United State of America (Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria

2012).

Global Network of Sickle Cell Disease (GNSCD) (2008) has it that due to the

signs and symptoms presented by sickle cell patients it has so many effects on

an individual who suffer from sickle cell disease such as medical marital and

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societal effects. Medical effects have to do with the medication used in the

treatment of this condition. Although this disease (sickle cell) has no cure its

signs and symptoms could be managed medically. Its treatment is life-long;

hence this may create boredom on the patient and their relatives.

Another problem posed by this disease is that marital failures which are often

observed in patients with sickle cell disease. sickle cell disease also constitute a

problem of the society at large as is evident by the fact that sicklers are always

weak dependent and attention-seeking. This means that they need to be cared

for and in so doing other things must have to be abandoned by the care givers

thereby reducing the productivity of the society.

Gwale local government area is situated in the Western part of Kano state. The

population is predominantly Hausa with trading as their major source of

income and a means of earning a living. The marriage pattern among residents

is such that one marries within the extended family. No counselling is usually

offered to youth or couples before marriage. The people especially youth seems

to have little or no knowledge about the disease its causes signs and symptoms

treatment and more importantly prevention.

Gwale local government has a population of 362059 (2006 census). Out of

every hundred there are two sicklers there are approximately 7241 sicklers in

the local government (Gwale) (Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria 2010). The

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population of the sickle cell disease is increasing with an ameliorating speed

which signifies a serious problem that requires urgent attention and intervention

by both local communities and the government. The researcher aims at

providing genuine statistical information on the target population (sicklers) to

which the intervention is desirable.

Statement of the Problem

It has been observed that sickle cell disease has ravaging effect among the youth

and children of Gwale local government area (Sickle Cell Club 2011-2012)

(Sickle Cell Clinic Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano). This high

incidence of sickle cell disease may be due to lack of knowledge about the

disease (sickle cell). It could be as a result of lack of premarital counselling and

low level awareness that results in inter-marriages between people of various

hemoglobin (HG) status which may result in children inheriting the sickle cell

trait or sickle cell disease. They have little or no knowledge about the cause of

the disease and how it can be prevented. Many stigmas and misconceptions are

attached to the sickle cell disease; as such it has been observed that there is

rapid increase in the population of sicklers in Gwale local government (Sickle

Cell Foundation Nigeria 2012).

To this end the researcher thought it necessary to carry out a study to find out

the knowledge of the cause of sickle cell disease among youth in Gwale local

government area Kano state.

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Purpose of the Study

1. To find out the level of awareness among youth on sickle cell disease in

Gwale local government area.

2. To determine the knowledge of the patients on their condition (sickle

cell).

3. To suggest ways of educating the youth on the sickle cell disease and the

counselling method to be used (pre-marital).

Significance of the Study

The finding of this study will be of significance to sickle cell patients in the

sense that suggestion on how they should manage the condition can be offered.

It will also provide information on the nature cause and preventive measures of

the disease (sickle cell).

The study would be of significance to the general public because it will proffer

ways by which misconceptions and stigmas on sickle cell disease may be

reduced to minimal level.

Research Questions

1. What is the level of awareness among youth on sickle cell disease?

2. What is the knowledge of patients on their condition (sickle cell)?

3. What are the ways of educating the youth and the general public on sickle

cell disease?

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Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will be restricted to Gwale local government area with particular

concern only on youth sickle cell patients and their relatives on the knowledge

of the cause of sickle cell disease and it’s management.

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