Study of Sickle Cell Disease Knowledge and Carrier Testing Practices Among Couples in Ogun State

Sickle cell disease is among the most prevalent inherited blood disorders in Nigeria, and pre-marital carrier testing is a critical prevention strategy that requires adequate knowledge and positive attitudes from prospective couples. This study assessed knowledge of sickle cell disease and carrier testing practices among couples in Abeokuta South LGA, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 married or engaged couples attending primary healthcare centres, recruited consecutively. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of disease inheritance patterns, carrier testing uptake, genotype awareness, and attitudes toward pre-marital genotype testing and partner choice. Results showed that 78.5 percent had heard of sickle cell disease, but comprehensive knowledge of inheritance patterns was adequate in only 46.5 percent. Carrier testing had been conducted in 51.9 percent of respondents. Among those tested, only 63.7 percent reported having received and understood their results correctly. Among AS-genotype individuals, 41.3 percent reported willingness to marry another AS individual, indicating incomplete application of genetic counselling principles. Significant predictors of testing uptake included tertiary education (OR 3.1; p < 0.001) and prior exposure to sickle cell education (OR 2.8; p < 0.001). The study recommends mandatory pre-marital genotype counselling at PHC registration, improved healthcare worker capacity in genetic counselling, and sickle cell awareness integration into faith-based pre-marital programmes in Ogun State. Keywords: sickle cell disease, carrier testing, pre-marital counselling, Ogun State, South West Nigeria