An Examination of African American College Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Disease Carrier Testing: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Approximately, 80,000 Americans are affected by sickle cell disease (SCD) and it is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. Nearly, 1 in 400 African Americans is born with SCD; in addition, 1 in 12 African Americans is born with sickle cell trait (SCT) (National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), 2007). Two carriers of the trait have a 25% chance of having an unaffected child, a 50% chance of having a child who is also a carrier, and a 25% chance of having a child with SCD. However, many African Americans lack knowledge about SCD and SCT and are unaware of their carrier status.

Objective: The purpose of this two-phased sequential mixed methods study was to explore African American college students' beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of SCD, SCT and SCD carrier testing.

Sample: A convenience sample of 191 African American college students between the ages of 19 and 30 years from six sites in the Southeastern region were selected to complete the Sickle Cell Disease Assessment Survey (SCDAS).

Methods: A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine which variable(s) contributed most significantly to the participants' intention to participate in carrier testing. A typological analysis of qualitative interviews was used to explore the significance of the variable(s).

Results: The major factors that contributed to the students' intention to participate in SCD carrier testing were attitude toward carrier testing, lack of knowledge regarding SCD and SCD carrier status, family history, cost, time and opportunity.