Assessment of Health Education Students’ Knowledge of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor Incompatibility in the University of Ilorin

Abstract

The incidence of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor disorders has a considerable impact on death rates across the world. Unmarried students in the Department of Health Education at the University of Ilorin were tested on their knowledge of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor compatibility. The study looked at how knowledge about Sickle Cell illness and Rhesus Factor compatibility varied according to gender, (ii) academic level, (iii) age, and (iv) religion. The study used a survey-style descriptive research approach. The study's participants were single students in the Department of Health Education. A multi-stage sampling process was used to choose 200 respondents for the study. Data was collected using a validated structured questionnaire with a reliability value of 0.72. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages, and inferential statistics of independent test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at the 0.05 alpha level. Among the findings were that: 1. The level of knowledge of sickle cell was moderate. 2. The level of knowledge of Rhesus factor compatibility was also moderate. 3. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge of sickle cell based on gender (t{198} = 1.21, p>0.05). 4. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge of sickle cell based on age range (t{198} = 1.218, p>0.05). 5. There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge of sickle cell on religion (t{198} = 1.491, p>0.05). The study revealed, among other things, that the students' understanding of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor compatibility was moderate. As a result, it was suggested that students be educated about the consequences of Sickle Cell and Rhesus Factor incompatibility through health symposiums, public announcements, and social media, as well as the various ways in which it can be avoided, to aid in the development of their knowledge and to assist groups and individuals in making informed decisions in such health matters.