AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS PREMARITAL GENOTYPE

SCREENING AMONG YOUTHS IN GETSO AREA GWARZO LOCAL

GOVERNMENT AREA,
KANO STATE

BY

KABIRU GAMBO
INDEXNUMBER:

May, 2023
 AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS PREMARITAL GENOTYPE
SCREENING AMONG YOUTHS IN GETSO AREA GWARZO LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AREA KANO STATE

BY

KABIRU GAMBO

INDEXNUMBER:

APROJECTSUBMITTEDTOTHEDEPARTMENTOFCOMMUNITYHEALTH,SCOLLE
GEOFHEALTHSCIENCESANDTECHNOLOGY,BEBEJI
KANO,INPARTIALFULFILMENTOFTHEREQUIREMENTFORTHEAWARDOFPROF
ESSIONALDIPLOMAINCOMMUNITYHEALTHBYTHECOMMUNITYHEALTHPRA
CTITIONERSREGISTRATIONBOARDOFNIGERIA(CHPRBN)

May, 2023

ii
 APPROVALPAGE
This research study entitled awareness and perception towards premarital genotype
screening among youths in Getso area gwarzo local government Kano State has been read and
approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of diploma in community health
by community health practitioner’s registration board of Nigeria (CHPRBN).

_____________________ _____________________
MAL.SHAMSU ABUBAKAR
Project supervisor. Date

_____________________ _____________________
Project Coordinator Date

_____________________ _____________________
HOD Community Health Date

_____________________ _____________________
External Examiner Date

iii
 DEDICATION
I dedicate this research work of my effort to my humble and respectful parent Alh. Gambo
Ibrahim and Alh Hussaini makama Getsoa, with their effort, love and contribution I am who I
am today through theiren couragement, sacrifices, prayers and support emotionally and
financially through out my academic period and life time. May Allah (S.W.T) guide bless and
reward them with Jannatul Firdausi Ameen.

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
All thanks goes to Almighty Allah the creator, master of the day of judgement the sustainer and
controller of the entire universe for given methe opportunity and protection through out my
studies peaceand blessing of Allah beupon to his Holy Prophet(S.A.W) no any research that can
be conducted with out receiving any contribution from various people, although it is not possible
for me to best owade quaterecognitiononall who have provided use fulhel panden couragement
through out my studies people like RCHP .Ishaq Abdullahi Iab solutely submit and express my
extreme gratitude to M and E of DALA Dr. Ahmad may Allah reward you abundantly.

I am indebted to my beloved and in comparable brothers and sisters like Hussaina, zainab ,
Mustpha, Rahima , Ni'imatullahi,Habibu, ,Nasiru, and Aisha

I will keep indebted for the prayer to the mall may Allah enlighten the way of knowledge to you
and bless you all Ameen.

My appreciation also goes to my project supervisor Malam. Shamsu Abubakar for giving me his
time, looked over in to my project research and made all possible correction, I am very grateful
and may Allah reward you lavishly.

I am also grateful to the head of department for guiding me in a right path and also to my
colleagues and friends thank you your contribution.

Finally, I am grateful to every body and those who names have not been mentioned thank you a
lot and may Allah bless you all Ameen.

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVALPAGE........................................................................................................................iii

DEDICATION................................................................................................................................iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENT.................................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................ix

CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY..........................................................................................1

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.........................................................................................3

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY...............................................................................................3

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.......................................................................................................3

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY..........................................................................................3

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY..........................................................................................................4

1.7 LIMITATIONS OF STUDY.....................................................................................................4

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS...........................................................................5

CHAPTER TWO.............................................................................................................................6

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.......................................................................................6

2.1 CONCEPT OF GENOTYPE AND MENDELIAN INHERITANCE.......................................6

2.1.2 GENETICS AND HEREDITY..............................................................................................8

2.13 NATURE OF GENETICS DISEASE.....................................................................................9

2.1.4 IMPORTANCE OF PRE-MARITAL GENOTYPE SCREENING AND TESTING........11

2.2 AWARENESS ON GENOTYPE SCREENING OR TESTING AND SICKLE CELL

ANEMIA.......................................................................................................................................12

2.2.1 ATTITUDE TOWARDS GENOTYPE SCREENING AND SICKLE CELL.....................14

2.2.2GENETIC COUNSELING ON PRE-MARITAL GENOTYPE SCREENING AND

TESTING.......................................................................................................................................15
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2.2.3 PREVENTIVE MEASURES...............................................................................................17

CHAPTER THREE.......................................................................................................................22

MEODOLOGY3.1 STUDY DESIGN...........................................................................................22

3.2 POPULATION OF THE STUDY...........................................................................................23

3.3 SAMPLE AND SAMPLE SIZE..............................................................................................23

3.4 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION.........................................................................23

3.5 VALIDATION OF INSTRUMENT........................................................................................24

3.6 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION...................................................................................24

3.7 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS........................................................................................24

CHAPTER FOUR.........................................................................................................................25

RESULT AND DISCUSSION......................................................................................................25

4.1 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA...................................................................25

4.2 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESPONDENTS..................................26

GRAND MEAN 3.8......................................................................................................................36

CHAPTER FIVE...........................................................................................................................37

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION. .37

5.1 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS................................................................................................37

5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS...................................................................................................40

5.3 SUMMARY OF PROCEDURE USED..................................................................................40

5.4 MAJOR FINDINGS................................................................................................................40

5.5 IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY........................................................................................41

5.6 CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................41

5.7 RECOMMENDATION...........................................................................................................41

5.8 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES.........................................................................42

5.9 LIMITATIONS OF STUDY...................................................................................................42

vii
REFERENCE................................................................................................................................43

viii
 ABSTRACT
This study investigated about awareness and perception towards premarital genotype screening
among youths in local government, kano state. premarital Genotype screening is a screening
done to screen intending couples in order to determine their genotype before marriage, this
study focused on awareness and perception of premarital genotype screening among youths in
Getso area, Gwarzo local government kano state .cross sectional design was adopted in
selecting the samples, the instrument for data collection was a self closed ended questionner
data were analyzed using frequencies and percentage, finding among others reveals that
respondents have high level of awareness and perception towards premarital genotype
screening,64.8 ,51.4 have done the screening and 63.4 knew facilities where the screening is
carried out and 57.7 believes that the screening can reduce genetics diseases ,the majority of the
respondents agreed that the screening should be compulsory for intending couples, they also
agreed that their finance must undergo the screening before marriage. it is recommended
among others that Government and non. governmental organization (NGOs) should provide
free genotype screening centers and there should be intensive enlightment compaign about
premarital genotype screening, and religious leaders and other institute should educate youth on
the importance of the premarital genotype screening and should made criterion before marriage
conducted. However there is need for enlightment about the importance among youth both male
and female.finally the intensive enlightment compaign on premarital genotype testing before
marriage should also be done by government and institutes through the media , alongside health
education on genetic disease and it's prevention.

ix
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Premarital genotype screening presents an opportunity for individuals to become informed about

their genetic predisposition to diseases and for couples to be aware of the possible genetic

characteristics of their unborn children. Hence, if one holds the view that one of the reasons for

marriage is procreation, then worrying about genetic compatibility and avoiding genetic

inheritance of grave consequence becomes something to strongly consider (Abd-Al

Azeem,2011).

The most common genetic diseases include sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sach ’s

disease of which sickle cell disease is the commonest .Premarital screening consists of a

comprehensive group of test, especially for those who are planning to get married. According to

world health organization reported that 5% of the world population carries genes responsible for

haemoglobinopathies and that Sickle cell anemia is particularly common among people whose

ancestors comes from sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Saudi Arabia and Mediterranean countries.

Further, over 300,000 babies are born worldwide with sickle cell disease mostly in low and

middle income countries, with the majority of these births in Africa (Akinyanju, 2009). Sickle

cell disease is one of the commonest genetic disorder in Nigeria, about 24% of the population are

carriers of the mutant gene and prevalence (at birth) is 2% i.e. 15,000 children are born with

sickle cell disease genotype annually in Nigeria alone (Greva,2005),Sickle cell disease

contributes to the equivalent of 5% of under five deaths on the African continent, more than 9%

of such deaths in west Africa and up to 16% of under five deaths in individual West Africa

countries Haemoglobin opathies are mainly public health problems worldwide, according to

1
WHO, approximately 240 million people are carriers of genetic disease and at least 200,000

affected individuals are born annually (Annie, 2010)

The prevalence of genetic disease is becoming higher, in the society, creating more stress despite

the difficulties the people encounter in life. Methods of preventing genetic disease include

premarital screening and genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, preconception diagnosis and

implantation of normal embryos after in vitro fertilization and in vitro therapy using stem cell

transplantation (Geneva, 2006). Prevention of the disease through carrier identification and

genetic counseling remains the only realistic approach to reduce the impact of the disease and

allow better use of available resources in the low income countries where the condition is most

prevalent .With the increasing prevalence of genetic diseases in developing countries e.g.

Nigeria, there is the need to evaluate the level of awareness and acceptance of premarital

genotype screening -a way of reducing and/or preventing the occurrence of genetic diseases

especially sickle cell disease ( Arulogun and Adefiour 2010).Nigeria has the highest number of

sickle cell disease (a genetic disease) in the world with prevalence found to be 1000 persons with

sickle cell disease per1000 population .With the increasing prevalence of genetic diseases in

developing countries e.g. Nigeria, there is the need to evaluate the level of awareness and

acceptance of premarital genotype screening -a way of reducing and/or preventing the

occurrence of genetic diseases especially sickle cell disease. Most youths today are either

unmarried or intending to get married and will procreate in the future. This group of persons are

the target population who will benefit from appropriate interventions aimed at preventing and/or

controlling genetic disease especially sickle cell disease. Thus, there is a need to assess their

awareness and level of acceptability of premarital genotype screening so as to direct

interventions in reducing the reproductive risk of genetic diseases, thereby contributing to a

decrease in the prevalence of genetic diseases in Nigeria.(Al-aama, 2010).

2
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Premarital genotype screening and testing has been a major problem for youth intending to be a

couples in Nigeria. It is so crucial that many couples have called off their marriage plans due to

failure of a partner to undergo premarital genotype screening . There's different perception and

lack of awareness among some youth who do not believe in genotype testing However ignorance

to premarital genotype screening can make them face some consequences including common

genetics disease among the children they intend to raise in the future.

By so doing, they can make informed decision about whether or not they would like to

continue with the marriage plan or prepare in advance for the economic need to manage the

offsprings from such crisis. Without doubts, the submission of intending couples to genotype

testing is one of the surest means through which they could come into this vital knowledge

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. To determine the level of awareness of genotype screening before marriage.

2. To examine youth perception towards Genotype screening before marriage.

3.To highlight the advantage of genotypes screening before marriage

4.To avoid or reduce the spread of undesirable character to the feature generation

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The study provided answers to the following.

1. What is the level of awareness of premarital genotype screening among youth in Getso Area

2. What are the respondent's perception to wards premarital genotype screening.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will help to provide information to the Government and health care providers on the

level of knowledge, awareness and perception and adherence among youth to premarital

3
genotype screening, and some of the reasons that hinders them from adhering to premarital

genotype screening despite the benefits associated with it.

The information provided will serve as tools to health care providers in identifying areas of

need, If findings shows low level of knowledge, appropriate measures will be devised to

strengthen their enlightment campaign in order to health educate them on the importance of the

screening. Government will through the information institute policies guiding couples on

premarital screening before marriage. However if findings shows High level of knowledge, it

will benefit the family and community health wise because, Youth can be able to make wise

selections before marriage. The high level of Awareness will help to change their negative

attitude to positive attitude and increase their level of adherence. Increase in their level of

adherence will reduce high risk marriages, birth of a child with sickle cell disorder, and other

genetic diseases among under five mortality and morbidity, divorce and frequent going in and

out of the hospital. Information gathered will help to reduce the stigma and fear attached to

premarital screening thus enhance adherence of couples to screening before marriage.

Findings from this study will be useful to health educators, counselors and policy makers as

it will provide the relationship between Awareness, attitude and perception among youth towards

premarital genotype screening, such information will be used as a guide in health education

campaigns and programs. Furthermore, the findings will also serve as a point of reference for

future studies.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study will be confined within the youth of Getso Area Gwarzo Local government of Kano

state

And Will also covered variables like Awareness, Perception and how they relates.

4
1.7 LIMITATIONS OF STUDY
This study is limited to youth in DALA local government Kano state ,the finding in the study

may not be applicable to other LGAs in the state.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

 -Awareness : is defined as the state or conditions of being aware, having knowledge or

the level of consciousness

 -Perception: A belief or opinion often held by many people and based on how things

seems

 -PREMARITAL GENOTYPE SCREENING: it presents an opportunity for individual to

be informed

about their genetic predisposition to diseases and for couples to be aware for possible

genetic characteristics of their unborn children.

 -Genotype: is an organisms complete set of genetic material

 -Genetic conditions: refers to an inherited medical condition caused by DNA

abnormality.

5
6
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:

2.1 CONCEPT OF GENOTYPE AND MENDELIAN INHERITANCE

Genotype according to (Park, 2011) is the total genetic Constitution of an individual. The

genotype inherited from both parents presents in an individual can be any of the following AA or

HbAA, which is the normal hemoglobin genotype in a red blood cells of a person, AS or HbAS

is a Carrier of sickle cell with one normal and abnormal gene (sickle cell traits), SS or HbSS or

SC or HbSC are abnormal haemoglobin genotype in red blood cells of a person.

Genetics is concerned with some inherited characteristics. Long DNA molecules are carried on

structures called chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell. Human chromosomes occur in pairs;

one derived from the mother and one from the father in sexual reproduction. Humans have

twenty-three pairs of chromosomes, of which twenty-two are similar in males and females.

These are numbered 1 through 22; according to chromosome size. One chromosome pair is

different between the females and males: XX in females and XY in males (Nussbaum 2017).

Several key concepts put forward by Mendel have been expanded, as the science of genetics has

grown. It is now known that genetic information is passed on as a series of discrete units known

as Genes, each of which is associated with specific traits. Furthermore, most organisms

(including humans) get two copies of their genetic information, one from each parent. This

means that most living things have two copies of each gene, and that these two copies are not

necessarily the same since they came from different parents (Sturtevant, 2010).

The distinction between Genotype and Phenotype is commonly experienced when studying

family patterns for certain hereditary diseases or conditions. Due to the diploid of humans there

7
are two alleles for any given gene. These alleles can be the same (homozygous) or different

(heterozygous), depending on the individual. With a dominant allele, the offspring is guaranteed

inherit the trait in question irrespective of the second allele. With a recessive allele, the

phenotype depends upon the other allele. This person has a normal phenotype but runs a 50-50

risk of passing his or her abnormal gene on to offspring. A homozygous dominant individual has

a normal phenotype and no risk of abnormal offspring (Holtzman and Watson, 1998). A

homozygous recessive individual has an abnormal phenotype and is guaranteed to pass the

abnormal gene onto offspring (See table 1)

Table 1: Mode of inheritance table

MATING TYPE PERCENTAGE OF OFFSPRING

(HB genotype) AA AS SS

AA × AA 100 _ _

AA × AS _ 50 _

AA × SS _ 100 _

AS × AS 25 50 25

AS × SS _ 50 50

SS × SS _ _ 100

A =Dominant Gene for Normal Hemoglobin A

S = the Recessive Allele Producing Hemoglobin S.

(Source: Ogundipe and Obinna 2010)

8
2.1.2 GENETICS AND HEREDITY
Genetics and heredity are closely related ideas. Whereas heredity is the transmission of

genetic characteristics from ancestor to descendant through the genes, genotype is concerned

with hereditary traits passed down from one generation to the next. It is very hard, if not

impossible, to separate the two concepts completely, yet the entire body of knowledge

encompassed by these topics is so large and so complex that it is best to separate them as much

as possible. For this reason, the Heredity essay is concerned with such issues as how traits are

passed on and why they appear in a particular generation but not another. That essay addresses

the topics of alleles, dominant and recessive genes, and so on. It also briefly discusses the history

of studies in areas that encompass genetics, heredity, and the mechanics. In general, the Heredity

essay is concerned with the larger patterns of inheritance over the generations, while the present

one examines inheritance at a level smaller than the microscopic —that is, from the molecular or

biochemical level (Omenn, 2000).

Inherited disorders of haemoglobin are among the most frequently occurring single gene

disorders in humans, of which sickle-cell disease (SCD) and the thalassemia ’s are the most

common, an inherited hemolytic aneamia with disordered red blood cell metabolism, is also

common. Genetics seems to provide the answer to the basis of disease and to offer insight into

the status of the health of populations. Medical genetics offers genetic screening and testing as a

tool for diagnosis and through genetic screening and counseling, individuals will be provided

with an accurate understanding of genetic inheritance and what it means to be ‗at risk‘. The

usefulness of genetic screening or testing relates to the efficacy of diseases before marriage.

Prevention and the right of a person to know his or her own genetic heredity. This will bring

about a substantial impact on health improvement. Genetic screening for personal health will

provide information about the health and wellbeing (not necessarily reproductive health) while in

9
other cases it may be used for health related reproductive risks. Testing for genetic disorder will

also provide a person with relieve of the uncertainty of not knowing, especially when such a

person has a previous record of any suspecting disease. Additionally, genetic testing has become

a tool for parents to decide whether to have only affected and/ non-affected offspring ‘s. When

genetic testing has been carried out to establish a diagnosis of hereditary or congenital diseases

in affected patients with high accuracy, it is usually accompanied with genetic screening and

counseling.

2.13 NATURE OF GENETICS DISEASE

Sickle-Cell Anemia is an autosomal recessive genetic disease or blood disorder and an

individual with the disease must have inherited one copy of the defective hemoglobin gene from

each parent. Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a defective gene that produces an abnormal form of

hemoglobin, the component of red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs

to the tissues. The abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S (HbS), is an example of a single

point mutation in the gene responsible for hemoglobin synthesis (Ekman et al., 2007).

Sickle cell diseases is a genetic defect associated with recessive hereditary disorder

characterized by erythrocytes that contain sickled hemoglobin (annunobi 2014),

The term Sickle Cell Disease according to Scott (1993) refers to a group of genetic disorders

characterized by the presence of sickle hemoglobin, anemia, and acute and chronic tissue injury

secondary to blockage of blood flow by abnormally shaped red cells. Normal hemoglobin, A is

composed of two alpha (a) globin chains and two beta (B) globin chains. The most common

typeof Sickle Cell Disease is sickle cell anemia in which the affected individual is homozygous

for is he Bs gene. Other common forms of sickle cell disease include the inherited B-thalassemia

(Hb S B-thalassemia).

10
 In sickle cell trait, the individual has inherited both a normal B globin gene and a Bs globin

gene. Individuals with sickle cell trait produce both normal hemoglobin and Hb S and have a

predominance of Hb A. Red cells from persons with sickle cell trait do not sickle except under

adverse circumstances. Persons with sickle cell trait have normal hemoglobin concentrations and

normal red cell morphology, distribution of Haemoglobin S: Certain ethnic populations have

more people who are carriers of the sickle-cell trait. The haemoglobin S gene is particularly

common in western Africa and people of western African ancestry, and an estimated 8 to 12

percent of all African Americans carry the sickle-cell gene (Ekman, 2007).

SCD affect 20-25 million people globally, and 50% of infants born with the disease die

before the age of five years (aygun and odame 2012). 305,800 babies were born with sickle cell

throughout the world in 2010, (piel2015). Furthermore sickle cell aid foundation (SCAF) 2014

reported that Nigeria is among the highest Carrier of sickle cell anaemia in the world with more

than 100,000 born with the disorder.

In Nigeria, the figure is about 25% while the homozygous state is found in about 3% of the

population (Adekile and Azubuike, 1999). There is a wide variation in the prevalence of the gene

in different parts of Africa. However, the frequency of the trait has been estimated to be as high

as 25-40%. Researchers believe that the haemoglobin S gene is particularly common in these

populations because carriers of the sickle-cell gene are less susceptible to malaria, once one of

the leading causes of illness and death in these malaria endemic regions. The sickle cell gene

confers on individuals the likelihood to resist malaria thereby sustaining the S gene in the

population (Redmond, 2006; Ekman, 2007).

Distribution of Beta Thalassemia: Thalassemia is a blood related genetic disorder which

involves the absence of genes responsible for production of haemoglobin, a protein present in the

red blood cells. Each red blood cell can contain between 240 and 300 million molecules of
11
haemoglobin. The severity of the disease depends on the mutations involved in the genes, and

their interplay (WHO, 2011)

According to WHO, Alpha and Beta Thalassemia are the most common inherited single-

gene disorders in the world with the highest prevalence in areas where malaria was or still is

endemic In Nigeria, the burden of this disorder in many regions is of such a magnitude that it

represents a major public health concern.

Β-thalassemia is most common and caused by any of more than 200 point mutations and,

rarely by deletions. Within each population at risk for β-thalassemia, a small number of common

mutations are found. Population movements have led to dissemination of the gene. ß-

Thalassemia is now widespread in Europe, Americas and Australia. Most affected children are

born in countries with limited resources; these affected children do not receive the treatment they

need, thereby dying in childhood (Refatllari, 2007)

2.1.4 IMPORTANCE OF PRE-MARITAL GENOTYPE SCREENING AND TESTING.

The role of genetics and the environment in the onset of many major non-communicable

diseases particularly monogenic diseases is well established. Consequently, genotype testing is

gaining recognition for the many advantages it has to offer in the prevention, management and

treatment of disease. Among their many uses, genotype tests most commonly present an

opportunity for individuals to become informed about their genetic predisposition to disease, and

for couples to be aware of the possible genetic characteristics of their unborn child/children.

Stemming from the informative potential of genetic testing some critical ethical, legal and social

issues come to the forefront (WHO, 2010).

According to Adewuyi, (2011) in a seminar that was organized to sensitize the youths on the

importance of knowing their genotype and its compatibility with others emphasizes the need for

12
genotype screening and testing to prevent sickle cell anaemia and the significance of the

Haemoglobin Genotype, which enable us to know that sickle cell patient cannot perform certain

duties that non Sickle cell patients can perform.

Review of literature related to the awareness and perception towards premarital genotype

screening

2.2 AWARENESS ON GENOTYPE SCREENING OR TESTING AND SICKLE CELL

ANEMIA
Though there has arguably been an "explosion" of awareness in genetic medicine, there

exist an increasing gap between the genotype testing that could be provided and the resources

that are available. The provision of such resources will probably require support by State and

Federal governments, as well as the private sector, and there are a number of models of service

provision that could be developed (WHO, 2010).Awareness of genetic risks can lead to potential

social and psychological consequences for the individual. Socially, knowledge from genotype

tests may lead to stigmatization and discrimination within the community (WHO, 2010).

Refusing to undergo genotype screening or testing as well as choosing to undergo genotype

testing can both lead to discrimination and stigmatization depending on the prevalent social

norms regarding acceptance and use of the technology. Furthermore, awareness of the screening

results may lead to the marginalization of the individual from mainstream society by virtue of the

health risks identified. Discrimination can be in the form of denial of health insurance,

employment or simply social acceptance. In particular, knowledge of risk of disease may be used

by health insurance providers and employers to deny individuals employment, benefits and

allowances and medical coverage or health insurance. This is worrisome in communities in

Nigeria especially where people rely heavily on private insurance systems as a source of funding

for necessary medical treatments. On the other hand within the context of a well-informed

13
community integrated clinical and social support systems which include counseling services for

patients and their families, knowledge of genetic disease or predisposition can lead to better care

and management of the patient and ultimately to improved quality of life (WHO, 2010).

In a study carried out in Nigeria, to determine the extent of awareness premarital genotype

screening and its heterozygous state among undergraduate students of the University of Nigeria,

Enugu Campus, A total number of 452 students were respondents. Eighty-six percent of the

students knew their haemoglobin genotype while 14% did not. Six percent (6%) of the students

did not know that individuals with the homozygous state (HbSS) will come down with a clinical

illness known as sickle cell anaemia and 25% do not know that someone with haemoglobin

genotype AS is said to be a sickle cell carrier (Agbanusi et al., 2006).

Also in another study conducted in Nigeria amongst senior secondary school students about

knowledge about premarital genotype screening, the study shows that 32% of the respondent

knew their Hb genotype while 55% did not. Adeyemi and Adekanle (2007), suggested the need

for some legislation about premarital screening of Hb phenotype and education of the citizen

which should start as early as at the level of secondary school.

Another study was conducted in Ile-Ife Nigeria, among 300 local government workers to

determine the level of awareness about SCD and the factors associated with its prevention. From

the study conducted, 69% of study subjects had poor knowledge of SCD and 20% of the

respondents were aware that they have sickle cell anemia while 25.3% knew that their partners

had sickle cell anemia (Abioye-kuteyiet., al 2009).

In another study conducted among youth corpers in a Nigeria community. The study was

conducted between January and March, 2009 among youth Corpers in Owo to determine the

awareness of premarital genotype screening among them. One hundred and sixteen out of the

two hundred and fifty youth corpers in the community were selected. 97.4% were aware of sickle
14
cell disease. About 30.1% knew of sickle cell disease through lectures and seminars. While 69%

were aware of their hemoglobin genotype (Omolaseet, 2010).

2.2.1 ATTITUDE TOWARDS GENOTYPE SCREENING AND SICKLE CELL

Generally, screening provides the individual with genetic information of potential value

which could assist him in making informed decisions about future reproduction. This benefit of

screening notwithstanding, submission of self for the screening test has not received widespread

acceptance, particularly in developing world. Among the many factors identified for this trend

are doubts that accurate diagnosis is positive (Doris, 1990).

In addition to the aforementioned observation, Akinyanju and Anionwu (1990) stated that

superstitious belief about genotype test is a major issue adversely affecting the willingness of the

public to embrace screening. Other constraints include barriers to screening arising from

undersupply of preventive counseling services in clinics and hospital. Various behavioural

scientists have attempted to give explanations for the factors that militate against the acceptance

and utilization of laboratory and hospital for screening programme, but perhaps the most

formidable explanations were those draw from the precede model.

In a study conducted in Ilorin, Nigeria six hundred and ten new graduates of Nigerian tertiary

institutions were studied for their attitude to sickle cell disorder, a sickle carrier frequency of

21.6% was found and the questionnaires revealed severely deficient knowledge of the

transmission of SCD among the 20-32 year old graduates which shows that their attitude was

poor. After the seminar, there was eagerness among the graduates to know their sickle status. It

is concluded that unmarried youths in, or graduating from, higher educational institutions may be

a most suitable target for information, carrier detection and genetic counselling in the prevention

and control of sickle cell disorders (Adewuyi, 2000).Another study was conducted among

15
parents of children with sickle cell disease to know their parental attitude in selected health

facilities in Irepodun Local Government, Kwara State, Nigeria. Findings from the study showed

that about 87% of the participants regretted having such children and gave reasons such as lack

of enlightenment programme on sickle cell aneamia, no genetic counseling, ill-disposition to pre-

marital genotypic screening, inadequate medical facilities for adequate test for genotype in rural

areas, gross misrepresentation and wrong perception of sickle cell disease, lack of knowledge of

people on sickle cell disease and nonchalant attitude to the result of screening due to love and

interest in one‘s partners were the reasons for their attitude (Afolanyan and Jolayemi, 2011).

2.2.2GENETIC COUNSELING ON PRE-MARITAL GENOTYPE SCREENING AND

TESTING
Genotype Testing is a relatively new concept that is gradually becoming widespread in

Nigeria. In simple terms, the process uses techniques that enable the technician to identify

mutant DNA (Malformed Chromosome or genetic material that could be transferred from parents

to children) in a person's genetic makeup. If a mutant is found, medical precautions can be taken.

If none is found, then it can be assumed that the person does not carry the harmful gene and has

the same risk of contracting the disease as anyone else in the population(HillandWang, 2001),

Therefore, genetic counseling is or should be a part of premarital genotype testing.

Genetic Counselor can help to decide the type of test the couple should consider. Details of the

family history, medical records and conditions of family members from both sides should be

provided to the counselors to have a proper advice from him. If the couple is informed of the

possibility that they are at an increased risk of having a genetically abnormal child, they can to

plan conceptions according to medical advice and can make use of the genetic counseling

services available, such as: the Pre-natal Screening of the fetus at an early stage of pregnancy as

well as the option of termination of the pregnancy (Eastern 2010)

16
.In 2006, the Genetic Counselling Task Force of the National Society of Genetic Counsellors

(NSGS) provided a new definition of genetic counselling as – the process of helping people

understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic

contributions to disease (Resta et al., 2006). This process integrates interpretation of family and

medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence, education about

inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources, research and counselling to promote

informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

In Nigeria, genetic counselling clinic are not many compared to many developed countries,

genetic testing and genetic counselling have been commonly done to identify carriers (Oyenike

et al., 2007). Similarly, only few doctors in Nigeria have been trained in genetic counselling.

Furthermore, genetic practice has not been given the serious attention that is needed. Access and

availability to genetic services will help in referring patients to genetic counsellors, which will

improve the detection of genetic risk factors. Genetics seems to provide the answer to the basis

of disease and to offer insight into the status of the health of populations. Medical genetics offers

genetic testing as a tool for diagnosis and through genetic counselling, individuals will be

provided with an accurate understanding of genetic inheritance and what it means to be ‗at risk‘.

Genetic counseling will help establish a diagnosis of hereditary diseases in affected patients,

take measures to alleviate the clinical manifestations of such disease, predict the probability of

development of a disease in families/individuals not yet affected and possibly prevent it

(Adeyemo et al., 2007).

Furthermore, in the prediction of giving birth to an offspring with a genetic disease and

proffering options to take decisions, this will help to distort the general confusion about the

potential benefits and risks of genetic testing. Information about genetic testing and counselling

should be part of regular medical practice to achieve desired level of knowledge and a change in
17
attitude. Public education on the hereditary nature of sickle cell disease and genetic counselling

should be made regularly through teaching in schools, religious centres etc. This will aid both

parents and prospective couple‘s access to information about child bearing riskand in the

diagnosis of sickle cell disease. Hindrances to genetic counselling may arise from illiteracy,

improper history record and polygamy. It is possible to take detailed family histories and provide

genetic counselling advice in primary care with minimal training of clinical staff (Rose, 1999).

2.2.3 PREVENTIVE MEASURES

A premarital screening or test is defined as a test in which couples that are going to get married

are tested for genetic, infectious and blood transmitted diseases to prevent any risk of

transmitting any disease to their children. Premarital testing is considered an important issue, as a

result of the increasing number of children affected with genetic or blood transmitted diseases

(Eastern Biotech, 2009).

Pre marital screening varies from one region to another depending on the prevalence of the

diseases in that region. In an effort to reduce genetic diseases, especially those peculiar to certain

populations, many communities encourage couples to perform genotype testing prior to marriage

as well as on the fetus during pregnancy, to determine any risk of disease. While this strategy has

effectively reduced the prevalence of some genetic diseases like thalassemia, for which there is

still no cure, it is argued by some that it limits the individual's freedom of choice. Couples may

be coerced into genotype testing with little regard for obtaining their free and informed consent

(WHO, 2010). Voluntary submission of self for genotype testing and readiness to abide by the

test are primary preventive health behaviors expected from people who are at risk of having

sickle children or developing complication in future. In order to avoid crises and make

counseling compulsory in screening centre‘s, both retrospective and prospective counseling and

18
educating should be adopted at every centre. This is particularly important because of the

estimated risk of affected offspring which shows that a couple carrying the AS trait each has a

25% chance of having a SS child. Counsellors therefore, must assure that carriers of the sickle

trait are made aware of this fact before making a decision on marriage partners (Coughlin 1999;

Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2006)

According to Epstein and Katzenstein (2001), the surest way to prevent sickle cell disease is

by performing premarital genetic testing (PGT) and informing prospective spouses about their

carrier status. Potential partners who are both carriers of a particular recessive trait are also

advised not to marry or procreate if they so wish to marry. Several PGT programs have been

instituted around the globe. The two most cited ones are the Dor Yeshorim (DY) program and

the Cyprus thalassemia screening project. Their means of operation are different, so also their

outcomes (Prainsack and Siegal, 2006).

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: PRECEDE MODEL

The PRECEDE model identifies three categories of factors influencing human behavior, and

they include; Predisposingfactors that provides the motivation, enabling factors which enables

the motivation to be realized and reinforcing factors which subsequently provides incentives for

persistence (Oladepo, 2009). The PRECEDE model has five phases but the fourth phase

Educational Diagnosis shall be used for this study. Summarily, this phase assesses the causes of

health behaviors which were identified in Phase 3. Three kinds of causes are identified as:

(i) predisposing factors,

(ii) enabling factors,

(iii) And reinforcing factors.

19
The critical element of this phase is the selection of the factors which if modified, will be most

likely to result in behavior change. Educational and organizational diagnosis looks at the

specifics that hinder or promote behaviors related to the health.

(i) Predisposing factors:

These factors motivate the individual in taking informed decision in regard to their health.

This focuses on the awareness, and Perception of respondents in respect to sickle cell anemia

and genotype screening that will help in behavioural change. Many of the respondents were

aware and have the knowledge of sickle cell anemia and genotype screening, this enable the

respondents to make their informed decision on their choice of partner before marriage.

(ii) Enabling factors:

These factors facilitate the individual behavior and performance of an action on certain

health issues. This involves availabilities of resources, accessibilities and skills the individual

need to live a healthy life. Many of the respondents claim they have visited the hospital to

undergo their genotype test to enable them know if they have sickle cell disease or not and

how they can live a healthy life free of complications by not getting married to someone who

have sickle cell anemia in respective of love or emotional attachment.

(iii) Reinforcing factors:

These factors deals with feedback in respect to attitude and behavior of youth, health

personnel‘s, parents, mass media whether positive or negative change. For the purpose of this

research, the framework was adopted to identify factors that facilitate, promote and give

feedback on the behavior to seek more knowledge about and undertaking genotype screening

before marriage among youths of Dala Local Government. In addition, it captures the

influence that parents and peers bring to bear on individual ‘s to undergo genotype testing to

enhance the chances of their future healthy living. The frame work help in health planning
20
 aimed at improving the health status of the respondents. Understanding the predisposing,

enabling, and reinforcing factors increases people‘s perception and awareness to promote

healthy behavior. The health education or counseling programme influence the predisposing,

reinforcing, and enabling factors which help in the attitude that enable the individual choose

to live a healthy life to promote a quality life free of complication.

APPLICATION OF THE PRECEDE MODEL

PREDISPOSING FACTORS
 Awareness of young people towards Genotype
totesting, related
create complications
awarenessand medical
when they are young.
problem.
Attitudes towards Genotype testing.
Willingness to take voluntary action.
Future intention/willingness to undergo
genotype test to avoid complication.
 Intervention: To be included in the school
curriculum at primary/secondary
 Seeking appropriate counselling school
that level to
create awareness
will promote, when(testing
prevent they are/ young.
screening) during relationship to avoid
complication and health related problem.
Intention to comply and undergo the
test with partner.
ENABLING FACTORS
 Self-care skills
Availability of health facility and counseling unit.
Access to services including encouragement and
intention.
Reduction in broken relationship
Availability
among partners. of laboratories for the screening
exercise
Reduction to be
in conducted.
morbidity and mortality of
individual,
Intervention: Campaign
partner and theatchildren
differentin levels i.e
school,
future. churches, market place, and home visits
and availability of health workers
 Outcome of test can lead to positiveto give health
talk, andonadministered
decision drugs for those with the
choice of partner.
disease.

21
REINFORCING FACTORS
 Individual or respondent survival leads
Attitudes
to better care andforsupport of partner
the home, individual,
and peers and
family
unbornmembers.
child/children.
Enhanced
Friends, family
the members,
health partner who had engage
of family,
in a relationship
community with
and the sicklewelfare.
society cell disease and suffer
the consequences.
 Promote the health of the individual
and
Intervention:
enable them Churches, Mosques,
live a healthy life Court
free Registry,
Parents,
from pain should
and agony. insist that intending couples
undergo genotype test before marriage.

22
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 STUDY DESIGN

A cross sectional design was adopted for this study. I choose cross sectional design because I

collected data from many different individuals at a single point in time. The design according to

(Akpabio & Ebong, 2010), can be used to investigate events as it occurs in their natural settings.

Therefore the design was deemed appropriate in investigating the awareness and Perception of

premarital genotype screening.

their culture like muslim, christian .In form of culture we have Hausa fulani , yoruba .and all so

the region is estwest -Fagge, est-fagge, south-Kano municipal (k.m.c), south west-Gwale, nouth-

ungogo this with show that Dala are in kano state metropolitan

3.2 POPULATION OF THE STUDY

The target population for this research were the youth in Dala local government Area of Kano

State, According to 2006 census report the population of Dala LGA is four hundred and eighteen

thousand seven and seventy seven (418,777) and estimate projection in 2016 is five hundred

eighty-two thousand and five hundred (582,500) and have total number of twelve wards.

3.3 SAMPLE TECHNIQUE

A simple random sampling technique was adopted to a sample of 150 respondents of youthd

from different wards in the mentioned LGA within the age range of 15--45yrs the questionnaire

was administered to them during the study session. The selected villae o

were Town, kayyu,daminawa,dantasau kofar and zanginawa.

23
3.4 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION
The instrument for data collection was a self-developed closed ended questionnaire. Question as

contained in the questionnaire consisted of four sections A, B, C, and D section A compraise of

demographic data, section B compraise of six items (respondents level of awareness on

premarital genotype screening), section C comprise of five items ( to what extent the screening

impaacted on youth and future willingness to undertake the screening).and section d comprises

of four items (respondents) perception towards premarital genotype screening) in accordance

with the research questions an objectives will seek to solicit informations on respondents'

awareness and perception towards premarital genotype screening among youths in Dala local

government Area of Kano state.

3.5 VALIDATION OF INSTRUMENT

The research instrument was validated by three lecturers in the college to scrutinize, after a

thorough investigation and corrections by the supervisor, then the questionnwasaire approved to

be printed and distributed to the respondents.

3.6 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

A total 150 copies of questionnaire was administered to youth between the age of 15--45years In

the study area therefore a total of 30 questionnaire were administered in each of the selected five

wards in order to collect relevant data on awareness and Perception of premarital genotype

screening among youth in Dala LGA.

3.7 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

The answers elicited from respondents was arranged in tables. The computations were then

translated to percentages. This show the relationship of each answer to the other options

available to the respondents. The strategy illuminates lucidly the reasons for the given answers

24
and makes analysis easier. The simple percentage approach was used to ease understanding and

enable the researcher to address the respective research questions

In analyzing the data, the responses were tallied and arranged into frequency distribution tables.

Numbers and percentages to represent quantitative analysis were used where necessary. While

the qualitative method which is descriptive in nature were analyzed using interpretative analysis.

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter focuses on analysis of result arising from data collected in for the study. The

researcher distributed 150 questionnaires to the respondents in the study area, and was able to

retrieve only 142 questionnaires eight were missed. Therefore, the analysis was based on 142

questionnaire which were correctly filled and returned.

25
4.2 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESPONDENTS
Table 1. 4.1 Gender of the respondents

S/n Gender Frequency Percentage

1. Male 74 53%

2. Female 68 47%

Total 142 100%

The table above present the gender the gender of the respondent it shows that the highest

percentage of respondent are male occupying 74 (53%)of the total response and female with

68(47%)

26
Table2. 4.2 Age of Respondents

S/n Variable frequency Percentage

1. 10--20years 22 16%

2. 21--30years 78 55%

3. 31--40years 30 21%

4. 41—above 12 9%

Total 142 100%

The table shows age representation of the respondents 22 (15.5%) are 10-20yrs, 78 (55%) are 21-

30yrs, 30 (21.%) are 31-40yrs, and 12 (9%) are 41years above, the data shows that the majority

of the respondents are between the ages of 21-30yrs with 78 (55%).

27
Table 3. 4.3 Marital status of respondents

S/n Marital status Frequency percentage

1. Single 75 53%

2. Married 67 47%

Total 142 100%

The table shows that 75 (53%) of the respondents are single and 67(47%) are married. the data

presented shows majority of respondents are single.

28
Table 4 4.4 Religion of the respondents

S/N Religion Frequency Percentage

1. Islam 122 86%

2. Christianity 20 14%

Others 0 0%

Total 142 100%

The table indicates that 122 (86%) of respondents are Muslim and only 20 (14%) are christains

the data shows the majority of respondents are Muslims

29
Table 5. 4.5. Respondents occupation

S/N Occupation Frequency Percentage

1. Students 80 56%

2. Civil servant 42 39%

3. Business 20 14%

Total 142 100%

The tables present the occupational status of the respondents which shows the majority are

students with 56% , followed by civil servant with 30% and businessmen with 14%.

30
Table 6, Respondents Level of awareness about premarital genotype screening

Statement Frequency Percentage

Have you ever heard of premarital genotype

screening

Yes 92 64.8%

No 50 35.2%

Total 142 100%

The table shows that 92 (64.8%) of respondents have heard of premarital genotype screening

while 50 (35.2%) have never heard of premarital genotype screening.

31
Table7,

Statement Frequency Percentage

What is your source of information about the

screening

Health personnel 32 34.8%

School 25 27.2%

Mass media 20 21.7%

Friends 15 16.3%

Total 92 100%

The table indicates that among those who have heard of premarital genotype screening 32

(34..8%) heard about it from health personnel,25 (27.2%) heard it in school, 20 (21.7%) heard it

through mass media and 15 (16.3%) heard about the premarital genotype screening through

friends.

32
Table 8.

Statement Frequency Percentage

Have you done premarital genotype screening

Yes 73 51.4%

No 69 48.6%

142 100%

The table shows that 73 (51.4%) of the respondents done premarital genotype screening while 69

(48.6%) do not done premarital genotype screening.

33
Table 9.

Statement Frequency Percentage

Do you know any facility where

premarital genotype screening is carried

out

Yes 90 63.4%

No 52 36.6%

Total 142 100%

The table shows that majority of the respondents with 90 (63.4%) knows facility where

premarital genotype screening is carried out and 52 (36.6%) do not know facility where the

screening is carried out.

34
Table10

Statement Frequency Percentage

What is your genotype

AA 40 54.8%

AS 18 24.7%

AC 2 2.7%

SS 13 17.8%

Total 73 100%

The table shows that among those that done premarital genotype screening 40 (54.8%) are AA,

18 (24.7%) are AS, 13 (17.8%) are SS and 2 (2.7%) are AC.

35
SECTION C: Perception towards premarital genotype screening

S/N Statement S A U D S Mean Remar

A D k

1 Premarital genotype screening should 24 91 5 2 20 3.7 Agree

be compulsory for intending couples

2. I am willing to do premarital genotype 42 54 12 6 28 3.5 Agree

screening

3. Couples who are genetically 67 50 3 17 5 4.1 Agree

incompatible should not continue with

marriage

4. Future spouse should do premarital 50 69 5 10 8 4.0 Agree

genotype screening

5. There should be more sensitization for 36 70 6 12 18 3.7 Agree

intending couples to go for premarital

genotype screening

GRAND MEAN 3.8

The table above shows that the respondents agreed with all the statement in the section and grand

mean according to lacker scale is Agree. Meaning they have good perception towards premarital

genotype screening.

36
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Respondents cut across various socio-demographic characteristics with their age ranging from

14-41years above, Majority of the respondents are between 21to 30years. The fact that most of

the respondents are single makes the study most appropriate for the study group because the

respondents need to be aware of the importance of premarital genotype screening before they get

married.

Research question 1: Level of Awareness of Premarital Genotype screening

Majority of the respondents(64.8%) in Getso Area have heard about premarital Genotype

screening and However, a reasonable proportion of Respondents(35.2%)have not heard about it

which means they've poor knowledge about premarital genotype screening, This indicates the

need for enlightenment about the premarital genotype screening and the major source of

information was gotten to be from the health personnel with (34.8%) followed closely by

information they got from their teachers (school )with (27.2%),mass media with (21.7%) and

friends with (16.3%).

Majority of the respondents (51.4%) have been screened for their genotype while some (48.6%)

have not been screened and this may be because they are not aware. From the survey, among

those youth in Dala LGA, who have been screened for their genotype the majority are AA

(54.8%) some are AS (24.7%) while very few are SS (17.8%) and AC (2.7%). Among those who

are aware of premarital genotype screening, some respondents are aware of premarital genotype

screening facility while others do not know any facility where the screening is done.

37
The majority of the respondents (57.7%) believes that premarital genotype screening can reduced

or prevent the occurrence of genetic diseases, while (42.3%) do not believe it can reduce genetic

diseases. This may have been due to their level of education. In a similar study, it was found that

youths who had tertiary education were aware that premarital genotype screening can prevent

sickle cell disease while those who had primary education were least aware.

Research question 2: Respondents perception towards premarital genotype screening

It is known that an individuals perception of something or an event strongly influence the

person’s attitude towards it. Reports of studies conducted on premarital genotype screening was

utilized to highlight this aspect of the study. This study showed that most respondents have high

and good perception towards premarital genotype screening majority of the Respondents agreed

that PGs should be compulsory for couples who are intending to get marriage one of the major

benefits for PGs was to prevent having a child with genetic diseases like scd etc, The finding was

in line with the findings of a study conducted by Akinyanju, (2009), which showed that about 2 -

3% of Nigerians live with some genetics disease while 25- 30% carry the gene that can give rise

to sickle cell disorder, without knowing they are carrying that..

And also it reveals that majority of the respondents have agree and are willing to undertake the

screening before marriage, Majority of the unmarried youth indicated their intention to go, and

agreed to do it together with their intending spouse, . This showed level of interest and

willingness to carry out the screening, in order to maintain healthy living in their marital homes

majority of the respondents agreed that are genetically incompatible should discontinue with

their marriage and there should be sensitization for intending couples to go for premarital

genotype screening.

38
RESEARCH QUESTIONS 3: actual health status of youth before marriage.

It is very importan to youth to be aware their real heath status before marriage because through

diagnosis is the only way to prevent the spread of genetic disease among people before marriage

.so that if care not taking their is problem that affect either male or female which lead to cause

severe condition difficult to treat the condition.

From the above explaination we can understand that Genotype screening among youth very

important because through this screening with lead to produce healthy generation .

Some examples of which express the actual health of you before marriage are (AA)mean normal

but if (SS) mean sickler from the above example if youth make genotype screening can

understand his / her health status .

39
5.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Based on the findings of the study it was analyzed that of the data collected for the study

shows that Unmarried and married youth done their premarital genotype screening which shows

their awareness Levels is adequate and this may be because of their knowledge about the

screening advantage before marriage.

It also shows that the level of Perception of premarital genotype screening among respondents

unmarried and married youth in the LGA with Grand mean of 3.8 it shows respondents agreed

and have high and good level of Perception of premarital genotype screening.

5.3 SUMMARY OF PROCEDURE USED

The study was conducted to find out the level of awareness and Perception among Youth in

Getso area, Two research questions were raised. Relevant literature reviewed based on

conceptual ,theoretical and empirical review. A simple random sample techniques was adopted

to sample 150 respondents ,where 142 were retrieved, the research instrument was validated by

three lecturers. Data generated were analyzed descriptively using frequencies tables and

percentage. The findings reveals that there's high level of awareness and Perception of premarital

genotype screening among youth in Getso area Gwarzo local government

5.4 MAJOR FINDINGS

From analysis of data collected the following findings where revealed that Unmarried and

married youth have done premarital genotype screening this shows their awareness Levels is

adequate and this may be because of their knowledge about the screening before marriage.

It also shows that the level of Perception of premarital genotype screening among respondents

unmarried and married youth in the LGA with Grand mean of 3.8 it shows respondents agreed

and have high and good level of Perception of premarital genotype screening.

40
5.5 IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY
Majority of Respondent are aware of the screening done before marriage this is good indicator

that their aware will lead to good level of Awareness among youth in the LGA. Even though,

majority of the youth have high level of knowledge towards premarital genotype screening, there

are still respondents that have poor knowledge of premarital genotype screening especially

among the married respondents. There is need therefore, for health care workers, to equip them

with proper information that will help them to upgrade their knowledge on the importance of this

screening before marriage. This will help them to improve on their level of awareness.

5.6 CONCLUSION
The level of awareness and Perception of pre-marital genotype screening among youth in Getso

area is reasonable. However, there is a need for enlightenment about the importance of genotype

screening because some respondents were not aware that premarital genotype screening help to

reduce genetic diseases in Getso area Gwarzo LGA Kano state.

5.7 RECOMMENDATION
1.Iintensive enlightenment campaign on premarital genotype testing before marriage should also

be done by government and institutions through the media, alongside health education on genetic

disease and its prevention right from primary school level.

2. Religious leaders should educate their youths on the importance of premarital genotype

screening and should be made a criterion before marriages are conducted.

3. Government and Non-government organizations should provide free genotype screening and

counseling centres in all areas of the country including the rural areas.

4. The Government and Non-government organizations should ensure that facilities for

premarital genotype screening are available and easily accessible nationwide.

41
5.8 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES
The researcher wishes to suggest that similar study should be carried out among Kano citizens

using large scale.

5.9 LIMITATIONS OF STUDY.

This study is limited to youth in Dala local government of kano state,the finding in the study may

not be applicable to other LGAs in the state.

42
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 COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BEBEJI

KANO STATE

COMMUNITY HEALTH DEPT. (CHEW 300L)2023

QUESTIONNAIRE

INTRODUCTION. The questionnaire is about awareness and perception to wards premarital

genotype screening among youths in Getso area Gwarzo local government area, kano state. So

that from the above subject matter choice the correct answer through circle or ticking the correct

which as follow.

Section A: Biodata

NAME:

AGE:

SEX:

OCCUPATION:

DATE:.

Section B

TO Know the actual Health status before marriage

Q(1) Do you normally have any crisis marriage?

(A) yes (B) No

Q(2) Have you ever been diagnosed of any blood related disease before marriage?

(A) Yes (B) No

Q(3) Do you have any genetically related disease ?

(A)Yes. (B) No.

Q (4) what is your Genotype status before marriage ?

(A) AA (B) AS (C)SS (D) others please specify

50
Section C

To determine the level of awareness of genotype screening before marriage.

Q (5) Are you aware of genotype screening before marriage .

(A) Yes (B) No.

Q (6) is there any relationship between Genotype and screening?

(A) Yes (B) No.

Q (7) is there any difference between Genotype and blood grouping?

(A) Yes (B) No.

Section D

To examine youth perception toward genotype screening before marriage.

Q (8) Genotype screening before marriage is to ...

(A) To know your health status

(B) To prevent given birth children with sickle cell disease.

(C) know of the above.

Q (9) Genotype screening before marriage will prevent the spread of disease.

(A) True (B) False

Q (10) Do you thing genotype screening is important for marriage?

(A)True (B) False.

51