Health Education and Preventive Practices for Sickle Cell Disease Among Parents in Oyo State

Sickle cell disease is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders in Nigeria, imposing substantial burdens on affected families and the healthcare system. Health education plays a central role in promoting genotype testing and informed reproductive decision-making. This study assessed health education and preventive practices for sickle cell disease among parents in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, with 290 parents of children aged five to 15 years recruited from healthcare centres and primary schools in Ibadan South West, Ogbomoso North, and Eruwa local government areas. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. Results revealed that 65 percent of parents were aware of sickle cell disease, yet only 44 percent knew their own genotype and 31 percent knew their spouse's genotype. Very few respondents reported pre-marital genotype screening. Stigma and fatalistic attitudes toward the condition were prevalent. Parents who had received health education on sickle cell disease were significantly more likely to advocate for genotype testing. The study recommended scaling up community health education on sickle cell disease prevention through schools, healthcare centres, and religious organisations across Oyo State. Keywords: sickle cell disease, health education, prevention, genotype testing, Oyo State