Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease Among Medical Students at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Saleh Saad J Alzahrani; Nawaf Saleh A Alghamdi; Eyad Awad M Alzahrani; Fadi Ahmed M Alzahrani; Mohammed Ahmed A Alghamdi; Zaher Musleh S Hafiz; Amr A Fouad

doi:10.7759/cureus.52616

Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease Among Medical Students at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cureus. 2024 Jan 20;16(1):e52616. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52616. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Authors

Saleh Saad J Alzahrani¹, Nawaf Saleh A Alghamdi¹, Eyad Awad M Alzahrani¹, Fadi Ahmed M Alzahrani¹, Mohammed Ahmed A Alghamdi¹, Zaher Musleh S Hafiz¹, Amr A Fouad²

Affiliations

¹ College of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU.
² Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, SAU.

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents a major health challenge in Saudi Arabia due to its high prevalence. The important role of medical students as future healthcare leaders necessitates high awareness and knowledge about the disease.

Aim: To assess SCD awareness among Al-Baha University medical students, and to evaluate its relation to gender and academic level.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 105 medical students from the first to sixth year at Al-Baha University. Data collection utilized an online self-administered questionnaire, covering demographic characteristics and assessing SCD knowledge. Fisher's exact and Pearson Chi-squared tests were employed to analyze associations between gender, academic level, and SCD awareness.

Results: The majority of male participants 52 (89.6%) and all females 47 (100%) demonstrated awareness of SCD. Clinical year enrollment (68.6%) correlated with heightened awareness across various aspects of SCD compared to the preclinical year. Most participants were in clinical years (68.6%), and 94.3% of them had knowledge about SCD. Approximately, 75 (71%) of participants correctly identified features of sickle cell crisis, 83 (79%) reported the accurate cause of SCD, and 75 (71%) cited the appropriate preventive measures. Only 15 (14%) demonstrated knowledge of correct management of SCD. Contrarily, 84 (80%) were aware of SCD complications, 66 (63%) recognized different SCD types, 67 (64%) felt adequately informed about SCD, and 34 (32%) were involved in SCD counseling. Male participants exhibited greater awareness of SCD features than females. Notably, involvement in SCD counseling was more prevalent among students of clinical years.

Conclusion: This study underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives, particularly among preclinical year students to enhance SCD awareness among students. We also emphasize the role of clinical education in fostering a comprehensive understanding of SCD, with increased participation in counseling programs.

Keywords: al-baha university; awareness; medical students; saudi arabia; sickle cell disease.