Sickle Cell Disease Knowledge and Reproductive Decisions: A Saudi Cross-Sectional Study

Figures & data

Table 1 Demographic and General Characteristics (N=390)

Number (%)		Variables
Age (years)	Mean (SD)	28.6 (± 11.9)
Level of Education	Higher Education	293 (75.1%)
	Secondary School	76 (19.5%)
	Intermediate School	21 (5.4%)
Gender	Male	166 (42.6%)
	Female	224 (57.4%)
Marital Status	Single	137 (35.1%)
	Married	253 (64.9%)
Sickle cell status	Disease	32 (8.2%)
	Trait	76 (19.5%)
	Healthy	265 (67.9%)
	Do not know	17 (4.4%)

Table 2 Participant’s Knowledge About SCD (N=390)

Knowledge Items		Number (%)
SCD cause	Gene inheritance from parents	353 (90.5%)
	Contaminated needles	4 (1%)
	Contaminated blood	4 (1%)
	Others	6 (1.6%)
	Do not know	23 (5.9%)
SCD complication*	Severe pain	357 (91.5%)
	Strokes	111 (28.5%)
	Infections	150 (38.5%)
	Organ failure	145 (37.2%)
	Do not know	33 (8.5%)
SCD treatment*	Stem cell transplantation	199 (51%)
	Gene therapy	125 (32.1%)
	Hepatic transplantation	16 (4.1%)
	Antibiotics	59 (15.1%)
	Rest	59 (15.1%)
	Do not know	114 (29.2%)
SCD diagnosis	Blood sample	310 (79.5%)
	Patient appearance	49 (12.5%)
	We could not diagnose	3 (0.8%)
	Do not know	28 (7.2%)

Notes: *percentage ≠100.

Figure 1 Association between level of SCD knowledge and SCD status.

Table 3 Participant’s Beliefs on How SCD Affects Their Life (N=390)

Statements		Number (%)
Having SCD	Serious disease that would affect the life	329 (84.4%)
	Simple disease that would not affect the life	47 (12%)
	Do not know	14 (3.6%)
Having a child with SCD	It is alarming and that such a child requires careful care.	346 (88.7%)
	Normal and regular child care	32 (8.3%)
	Do not know	12 (3.1%)
Having children with SCD will negatively affect my life	Yes	313 (80.3%)
	No	40 (10.3%)
	Do not know	37 (9.4%)
Having SCD will negatively affect my academic performance	Yes	320 (82.1%)
	No	52 (13.3%)
	Do not know	18 (4.6%)