Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding Sickle Cell Disease among Screened Adults in the Tribal Village of Jashpur: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dikshan Pal Khare, Kiran Bansal, Dr. Priyanka Tiwari

Abstract: Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD), a hereditary hemoglobinopathy, remains a significant public health concern in tribal communities of Chhattisgarh, India. Despite governmental screening programs, poor knowledge and awareness persist. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to SCD in a tribal region of Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gamhariya village, Jashpur district, from February to May 2025. A total of 338 adults (?18 years), screened at least once for SCD, were selected using systematic sampling. Data were collected via structured interviews and analysed using SPSS v26. Chi-square tests identified associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge levels. Results: Among participants (mean age: 43.7 ? 15.02 years), 96.7% had heard of SCD; however, only 39.1% correctly identified its genetic cause. Misconceptions about transmission were widespread, with 46.2% attributing the spread to blood transfusions. Attitudes revealed no support for pre-marital testing (100%). All participants were willing to undergo screening if services were available locally. Education and occupation were significantly associated with knowledge levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite high awareness of SCD, misconceptions prevail in this tribal population. Addressing these gaps through health education interventions is crucial for empowering communities for early detection.

Keywords: Sickle cell disease, SCD, Sickle cell trait, tribal health, knowledge-attitude-practice, Chhattisgarh

How to Cite?: Dikshan Pal Khare, Kiran Bansal, Dr. Priyanka Tiwari, "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding Sickle Cell Disease among Screened Adults in the Tribal Village of Jashpur: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1196-1200, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25717171944, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25717171944