Open AccessThalassemia screening: Low level of knowledge among unmarried youths in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Author(s) -
Muhammad Akmal Mohd Nor,
Nur Suhaila Idris,
Maryam Mohd Zulkifli,
Ruzilawati Abu Bakar,
Imran Ahmad
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
malaysian family physician
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.207
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 1985-2274
pISSN - 1985-207X
DOI - 10.51866/oa.31
Subject(s) - thalassemia , medicine , marital status , psychology , family medicine , clinical psychology , environmental health , population
Thalassaemia is a common genetic blood disorder. Knowledge, awareness, attitude towards, and intention to screen for thalassaemia among Malaysians is poor. Screening for thalassaemia in unmarried individuals plays a key role in preventing thalassaemia major births.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on unmarried individuals aged 18 years and older in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. A questionnaire was used to collect the general data of the participants, their knowledge of thalassaemia, attitude towards thalassaemia, and intention to screen for thalassaemia.Results: A total of 278 respondents were included in this study. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 8.8 (4.99) out of a possible score of 21, with higher scores indicating better knowledge. The factor associated with good knowledge of thalassaemia was being a professional. Most respondents agreed that unmarried individuals should be screened for thalassaemia before marriage.Conclusion: In conclusion, knowledge of thalassaemia among unmarried individuals who were not professionals was low.