Awareness and Attitude of University Students About Screening and Testing for Hemoglobinopathies: Case Study of the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Interventions addressing genetic disease burdens within selected countries in the MENA region: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

The MENA region is disproportionately affected by genetic disease. The aim of this research is to scope the region for evidence of genetic services and public health interventions to identify geographic gaps, and to provide a descriptive overview of interventions to identify knowledge gaps.

METHODS

This study is conducted as a scoping review and follows the Arksey & O'Malley scoping review framework.

RESULTS

Seventy-six articles spanning 16 MENA nations met inclusion criteria. Studies included interventions in the form of genetic service provision (n=28), as well as comprehensive programs including pilot programs (n=7), community-based genetics programs (n=6) national-level prevention programs (n=18), and national-level mandatory programs (n=17).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an imbalanced response to genetic disease burdens across the MENA region. More research is warranted where interventions are scarce, particularly to inform development of pilot community-based programs. There is also a need for better monitoring and evaluation of existing nation-wide programs.

Awareness of Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling among Saudis and its Association with Sociodemographic Factors: a National Study

Background

Premarital screening and genetic counseling (PMSGC) is compulsory in Saudi Arabia and aims to identify and decrease the prevalence of some genetic and sexually transmitted infectious diseases. However, there are little data on community awareness about PMSGC. This study assessed knowledge levels, attitudes, and behaviors associated with PMSGC in the general Saudi Arabian population and their associations with sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, population-based study of 6263 participants randomly selected from all 20 health regions in Saudi Arabia, stratified according to age and fulfilling predefined selection criteria. Trained data collectors used a comprehensive pretested questionnaire to collect data. Data were collected in March and April 2019. Univariable and multivariable associations between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge levels, attitudes, and behaviors were examined.

Results

While all 6263 study participants had heard about PMSGC, only 575 (9.2%) participants had satisfactory knowledge, while 3283 (52.4%) participants had fair knowledge. Predictors of high knowledge scores were university or higher education level (aOR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.80–2.36), positive medical history of PMSGC-screened disease (aOR=2.02; 95% CI: 1.51–2.69), family income ≥3000 SR/month (aOR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.50–1.93), being married/previously married (aOR=1.46; 95% CI: 1.25–1.70), female gender (aOR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.12–1.40), and age >18 years (aOR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.06–1.48). The majority of participants (5246, 83.8%) had positive attitudes towards the importance of PMSGC, the burden of screened genetic and infectious diseases on the family, and that marrying was inadvisable with incompatible results. Of the 3986 engaged or married participants, 2911 (73.0%) had undertaken premarital screening, of whom 360 (12.4%) had incompatible results; 98 (37.1%) married despite this information.

Conclusion

Despite advances in public healthcare measures in Saudi Arabia, gaps remain in the knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors associated with PMSGC. Culturally specific community health education programs for PMSGC must be devised that emphasize the risks associated with consanguineous marriage.

Effects of -3.7α Deletion and Sickle-Cell Trait on Ventilatory and Hemodynamic Responses to Maximum Exercise in Young Saudi Females

Introduction

Hemoglobinopathies are common disorders in Saudi Arabia and have an impact on the general health of the affected individuals. The current study aimed to find out the effects of the presence of α 3.7 kb rightward deletion or sickle-cell trait (SCT) on ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters of maximum exercise testing in young Saudi women.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 75 randomly selected female students from different colleges were tested for VO_2max using a COSMED system for maximum exercise testing. Blood parameters and globin genotyping were determined.

Results

Hemoglobin genetic studies revealed 28 of the students had 3.7 α-globin deletion only (^−3.7α₂/α₁α₂), five had SCT, and 42 had normal α-globin (α₁α₂/α₁α₂ and no HbS) and were considered the control group. Subjects with ^−3.7α₂/α₁α₂ showed significantly lower VO_2max and higher resting systolic blood pressure, while SCT carriers showed no difference in regard to ventilatory parameters, but had higher post-exercise systolic blood pressure than controls.

Conclusion

It is concluded that individuals with 3.7 α-globin deletion might have lower fitness capacity, as demonstrated by lower VO_2max, which might explain the general lower VO_2max in the young women of this population. Furthermore, increments in resting systolic and posteexercise systolic blood pressure in 3.7 α-globin deletion and SCT, respectively, might indicate a future risk of cardiovascular diseases and require attention and extensive studies.

Perception of premarital counseling among King Khalid University students

Background

Genetic blood disorders are common in Arab countries which are related to many physical and mental disorders. Premarital counseling has been one of the strongest ways to prevent hereditary diseases. It can provide a capability to intervene according to identified risks, vaccinations, genetic consulting, nutrition, consulting regarding behavior and advice regarding contraception. This study aimed to assess university students' knowledge, attitude and practice of pre-marital counseling (PMC) in king Khalid University.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University in Abha city from May to August 2018. The students were selected using two stage stratified cluster sampling technique (medical and non-medical). A total sample of 541 students were included. A structured questionnaire with close-ended questions was designed by the authors following an extensive review of the literature on knowledge, practice, and attitude of premarital screening program. The questionnaire was developed in English and then translated to Arabic by experts at the College of Medicine.

Results

A total sample of 541students were involved with ages ranged from 18 years to 27 years old and 56.6% at medical colleges. Exact 73.4% of the students were aware of PMC and 95.2% reported its importance. 96.5% of the students reported their welling to do PMC on marriage and 72.1% see that it should be mandatory.

Conclusions

Nearly three out of each four students had good awareness level regarding PMC. Most of the students have a positive attitude towards PMS and their readiness to adopt the counseling before marriage.