Health Education Interventions for Sickle Cell Disease Prevention in Secondary Schools in Rivers State, South South Nigeria

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured health education intervention on sickle cell disease (SCD) prevention knowledge among secondary school students in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Adolescent health education targeting genotype awareness and pre-marital screening is among the most cost-effective strategies for reducing SCD birth prevalence in high-burden populations. A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test study was conducted in eight secondary schools across Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas. Students aged 14 to 18 years (n = 400) received a six-session structured SCD education programme delivered by trained health educators using adapted curriculum materials. Knowledge, attitude, and intention scores were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at three-month follow-up using a validated questionnaire. Mean SCD knowledge scores improved from 42.3 percent at baseline to 78.6 percent post-intervention and were maintained at 71.4 percent at three-month follow-up. Attitude toward pre-marital genotype screening shifted significantly in a positive direction. Intention to undergo genotype testing before marriage increased from 54 to 87 percent post-intervention. Haemoglobin genotype awareness (knowing their own genotype) increased from 39 to 78 percent following the programme. The study establishes the effectiveness of structured school-based SCD education and recommends its integration into the Rivers State secondary school health curriculum with genotype screening events incorporated into school health weeks. Keywords: sickle cell disease prevention, health education, secondary schools, Rivers State, genotype screening.