Acceptability of prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia by a sample of the Nigerian population

Abstract

The acceptability of prenatal diagnosis (PND) as a means of controlling sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in Nigeria was examined using a semi-structured questionnaire. The aim of the study was to examine the attitudes of well-informed, educated Nigerians to the use of PND and abortion of confirmed HbSS pregnancies in the control of SCA. There were 433 respondents comprising 204 males and 210 females (gender was not recorded for 19 respondents). They were aged 15-50 (31 ± 18) years. Forty percent had HbAA, 15% HbAS, 1.6% HbAC, 2% HbSS, and 0.2% HbSC; 153 (35%) had no knowledge of their haemoglobin electrophoretic patterns "genotypes" The majority of the respondents (69.5%) appreciated the role of both parents in the transmission of the disease. Only 45 (18%) of the respondents heard of SCA for the first time through sickle cell counsellors, 23% through newsmedia, 29% through friends and relations, 21 % obtained the information through health workers, while 5% had never heard of sickle cell disease before the interview. As many as192 (44%) of the respondents were aware that SCA could be diagnosed in pregnancy; 45% would opt for termination of the affected pregnancies. Avoidance of the problems associated with managing SCA children was the most important reason for approving pregnancy termination, whereas 73% of those rejecting pregnancy termination did so for religious and moral reasons. Seventy-eight percent of those interviewed would want PND started in Nigeria. The two approved control measure for SCA by most of the respondents were genetic counselling and PND; both should, therefore, be considered in implementing control measures for SCA in this country.