Browsing by Author "Ndaigeze, Indo"

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    Determinants of perception and willingness to uptake premarital screening test for sickle cell disease among health sciences undergraduate students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    (Kairuki University, 2024) Ndaigeze, Indo
    Background: Sickle cell disease is a serious genetic disorder with a significant global burden. The significant burden of SCD in Tanzania and the substantial economic, psychological and social costs, highlights the significance of premarital genetic screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) for timely diagnosis as well as for identifying carriers of SCT. Objectives: The objective of the was study to assess the determinants of perception and willingness to uptake premarital screening test for sickle cell disease among health sciences undergraduate students in Kairuki University, Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional design was used among 448 undergraduate students (aged 18-35 years) who were selected using stratified random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data via Google forms. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 25 and presented as Tables and Charts. Bivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between multiple independent variables and dependent variable (perception). Results: The study found out that more than half of the students (57.3%) had good perception regarding premarital screening and the majority agreed to uptake premarital genetic screening for Sickle Cell Disease. Respondents who received information from healthcare professionals had significant association with good perception. Conclusions: In summary, over half of the respondents (57.24%) had a good perception of premarital screening for sickle cell disease. Most respondents had good perception on premarital screening and the influencing factor that has been found appropriate information from healthcare providers. Moreover, a substantial percentage of respondents (92.2%) expressed their intention to undergo premarital genetic screening for sickle cell disease. This indicates a high level of awareness and a willingness to take proactive health measures prior to marriage, demonstrating a favourable attitude toward genetic screening. Recommendations: The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children in collaboration with the Ministry of Education should develop a curriculum focused on educating the public about premarital genotype screening for sickle cell disease. This education should be delivered through various media channels, schools, health facilities, and public meetings to ensure that everyone in the community can participate in addressing and preventing sickle cell disease and is empowered to make informed choices in relation to genetic screening for Sickle Cell Disease before marriage.
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    Determinants of perception and willingness to uptake premarital screening test for sickle cell disease among health sciences undergraduate students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    (Springer, 2025-08-06) Ndaigeze, Indo; Kabalimu, Titus K.; Ntabaye, Moshi K.
    Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant genetic disorder that imposes a considerable global health burden. The notable prevalence of SCD in Tanzania, coupled with extensive economic, psychological, and social ramifications, underscores the importance of premarital genetic screening to carriers of the sickle cell trait. This study aimed to assess the determinants of perception and willingness to uptake premarital genotype screening test for sickle cell disease carriers (PMGS) among health sciences undergraduate students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. An analytical cross-sectional design was used among 470 undergraduate students selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data using Google Forms. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. A total of 448 questionnaires were completed and submitted, with a response rate of 95.3%. More than half of the students (57.24%) had a good perception of PMGS, and the majority (92.2%) expressed their intention to participate in PMGS. Respondents who received information from healthcare professionals had a significant association (pā€‰=ā€‰0.031) with good perception. Most students were willing to participate in the PMGS program. As healthcare students, they are an important group in the development of national screening programs; similar studies in other universities in Tanzania are needed to obtain representative samples of undergraduates nationwide.