Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of People towards Sickle Cell Disease in Ghana

Helen Crentsil, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Mercy Opare-Addo, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Richard Lamptey, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common mono-genetic haemolytic disorder worldwide, with a high prevalence among people of African descent. There is inadequate social support and discrimination resulting from insufficient knowledge and awareness about SCD. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and perception of people towards SCD in Ghana. A cross sectional study was conducted in Kumasi, Ghana using non-probability sampling and data was analyzed using SPSS. Out of 338 participants, the majority (89.6%) had tertiary education, and 99.4% were aware of SCD. However, 60.1% had checked their sickling status, and just 20% knew SCD organisations in Ghana. 49.1% believed SCD patients face stigma, while 93.2% thought knowing sickling status would influence marriage decisions. 40.5% perceived poor SCD awareness, and 40.8% considered health professionals' contribution to awareness in Ghana as mediocre. Public education on the disease needs to be intensified to enhance knowledge and diminish stigmatization.