Information sharing on genotype screening for prevention of sickle cell disease among undergraduate students of Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated about Information Sharing on Genotype Screening for the prevention of sickle cell among Undergraduates students of Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The objectives was aimed to find out the types of information shared on genotype screening, the channels used, and also some of the challenges faced when sharing information on genotype screening for the prevention of sickle cell disease among undergraduates students of Federal University Birnin Kebbi. Quantitative methodology was adopted for this study, using a cross-sectional survey research design. A sample size of three hundred and seventy (370) was chosen from the total population of 11550 as suggested by Krejcie and Morgan Table. A self-developed Questionnaire named a questionnaire of genotype information sharing (QGIS) was administered to the respondents through a simple random sampling and 92.9% questionnaire was retrieved. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (Frequency distribution, percentages, mean and standard deviation). The study revealed that the types of information shared most by the respondents includes; information on matched & mismatched genotype, information for public awareness on the process of genotype screening and availability of test centre. The channels used were hospitals/healthcare centres, class lecture and social media. The study concludes that respondents mostly shared information on genotype screening. The researcher recommended for more awareness on the importance of genotype screening and introduction of compulsory genotype screening to encourage individuals to go for the screening.