Health facility factors influencing utilization of premarital sickle cell trait screening services among the youth attending Entebbe regional referral hospital, Wakiso district. A cross-sectional study.

Nicholas Mujulizi Ahebwa; George Masete; Hasifa Nansereko; Immaculate Naggulu; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2282

Authors

Nicholas Mujulizi Ahebwa Mildmay School of Health Sciences
George Masete Mildmay School of Health Sciences
Hasifa Nansereko Mildmay School of Health Sciences
Immaculate Naggulu Mildmay School of Health Sciences
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay School of Health Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2282

Keywords:

Premarital Screening, Sickle Cell Trait, Health Facility Accessibility, Screening Uptake

Abstract

Background

The study aims to assess the health facility factors influencing uptake of premarital sickle cell trait screening services.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study using quantitative methods was conducted among 40 youths aged 18 years and above. Convenience sampling was employed. Data were collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, checked for completeness, coded, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Findings were presented using frequencies, percentages, tables, and figures.

Results

33 (82.5%) of the respondents were unemployed, and 7 (17.5%) were employed. The majority, 36 (90%), had never received counselling about premarital sickle cell trait screening, and 4 (10%) had received counselling. 23 (57.5%) lived 3–5 km away from the facility, while the least 5 (12.5%) lived below 2 km. Concerning the availability of equipment, 37 (92.5%) did not know about the equipment, while at least 1 (2.5%) reported that it was not available. During other care, the majority, 35 (87.5%), were not educated about sickle cell trait screening, whereas at least 5 (12.5%) were educated. The majority (72.5%) of the respondents mentioned a few facilities offering sickle cell trait screening service as a factor influencing their uptake, while (12.5%) cited lack of reagents.

Conclusion

Health facility factors like long distances, few screening centers, and limited outreach influenced the uptake of premarital sickle cell trait screening.

Recommendation

Health Facilities should increase accessibility by establishing more centers that offer premarital sickle cell trait screening services, including outreach services for remote areas.

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