Frequency of Sickle Cell Disease Among Secondary School Students in Enugu State: A Genotyping Study

Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains one of the most prevalent inherited haematological disorders in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria bearing the highest global burden. This study examines the frequency of SCD and haemoglobin genotype distribution among secondary school students in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted, targeting 350 students selected through stratified random sampling across five public secondary schools in the Enugu Education Zone. Venous blood samples were collected and subjected to haemoglobin electrophoresis using cellulose acetate at alkaline pH, alongside polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation for ambiguous samples. Genotype distributions including HbAA, HbAS, HbSS, HbAC, and HbSC were determined and documented. Demographic variables such as age, sex, and parental awareness of genotype status were also assessed via a structured questionnaire. Preliminary data indicate that carrier (HbAS) frequency among the sampled population is substantial, while parental knowledge of genotypic risk factors before marriage remains limited. These findings reinforce the need for sustained pre-marital counselling programmes and school-based genotype screening initiatives in the South East geopolitical zone. The study contributes local epidemiological data useful for designing targeted public health interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of SCD births in Enugu State. Keywords: sickle cell disease, haemoglobin genotype, electrophoresis, Enugu State, secondary school students