Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease Among Medical Students at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Cureus
; 16(1): e52616, 2024 Jan.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38374865
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents a major health challenge in Saudi Arabia due to its high prevalence. The important role of medical students as future healthcare leaders necessitates high awareness and knowledge about the disease.AIM:
To assess SCD awareness among Al-Baha University medical students, and to evaluate its relation to gender and academic level.METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 105 medical students from the first to sixth year at Al-Baha University. Data collection utilized an online self-administered questionnaire, covering demographic characteristics and assessing SCD knowledge. Fisher's exact and Pearson Chi-squared tests were employed to analyze associations between gender, academic level, and SCD awareness.RESULTS:
The majority of male participants 52 (89.6%) and all females 47 (100%) demonstrated awareness of SCD. Clinical year enrollment (68.6%) correlated with heightened awareness across various aspects of SCD compared to the preclinical year. Most participants were in clinical years (68.6%), and 94.3% of them had knowledge about SCD. Approximately, 75 (71%) of participants correctly identified features of sickle cell crisis, 83 (79%) reported the accurate cause of SCD, and 75 (71%) cited the appropriate preventive measures. Only 15 (14%) demonstrated knowledge of correct management of SCD. Contrarily, 84 (80%) were aware of SCD complications, 66 (63%) recognized different SCD types, 67 (64%) felt adequately informed about SCD, and 34 (32%) were involved in SCD counseling. Male participants exhibited greater awareness of SCD features than females. Notably, involvement in SCD counseling was more prevalent among students of clinical years.CONCLUSION:
This study underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives, particularly among preclinical year students to enhance SCD awareness among students. We also emphasize the role of clinical education in fostering a comprehensive understanding of SCD, with increased participation in counseling programs.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Cureus
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article