Public knowledge and awareness toward glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Jazan region

Abstract

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency anemia is the most common metabolic red cell abnormality worldwide. G6PD deficiency anemia is very common in Saudi Arabia. Objective: The aims of the current study were to evaluate and assess knowledge and awareness about G6PD deficiency anemia and to find any association between sociodemographic variables and knowledge about this disease in the Saudi population in Jazan region. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Jazan University. Results: A total of 709 individuals completed the questionnaire and were considered in the study. In general, the study population had overall fair knowledge, scoring 50% or above on all domains of the study. In addition, we found a significant association between sociodemographic variables, specifically gender, family income and education level, and knowledge/awareness of G6PD deficiency anemia. Conclusion: Our study found fair to good knowledge of G6PD itself, but not of the mode of inheritance among the study population. The study suggests that public health campaigns and screening programs should be conducted and established to screen for these disorders at younger ages, instead of only relying on premarital screening program.