Perception of the Need for Genetic Counselling and Testing for Sickle Cell Disease among Young Adults in Premarital Relationship in Jos North LGA of Plateau State

There has been increasing prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) with attendant consequences in Nigeria with low uptake of genetic counseling and testing as an effective preventive measure by young adults. This study aimed at examining the perceived need for genetic counseling and testing for SCD in Tudun Wada, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State towards prevention of SCD in the society. A descriptive cross sectional study design was adopted and the instrument for data collection was a researcher created Young Adults Genetic Counseling and Testing Questionnaire (YAGCAT-Q). Purposive and snowball sampling technique was used to sample 238 young adults between the ages of 18 to 45 years who were of marriageable age. The data obtained were analyzed using combination of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 2.5, a descriptive statistic summarized into mean value and presented in tables. The results revealed poor attitude and poor uptake of genetic sickle cell screening by young adults as only 68 (28.57%) have ever participated in the procedure, despite 191 (80.25%) claiming they would avail themselves of the services. Attainment of higher educational level of 98 (41.2%) and prior knowledge of genotype status – 68 (28.57%) were found to be positive influencer as respondents with knowledge on genetic counselling and testing have cumulative mean of 2.896 indicating higher understanding of genetic screening and counseling. Knowledge on impact of genetic counselling and testing on young adults with cumulative mean of 2.9 while the criterion mean maintained at 2.5 were observed. The implication of this is the urgency for aggressive education of young adults for the need for voluntary genetic counselling and testing in order to reduce the prevalence of SCD in our society.