Parental Knowledge on Thalassaemia and Factors Associated with Refusal to Screen Their Children
- Author:
Mohammad Azmi Che Mat
;
Lili Husniati Yaacob
;
Rosnani Zakaria
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
thalassemia;
knowledge;
screening;
school children
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2020;27(1):124-133
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Acceptance of a screening programme for thalassemia is important in
managing the disease and its associated complications. The objective of this study was to determine
the knowledge of thalassemia and factors associated with thalassemia screening refusal among
parents of secondary school children.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2017 to October 2017 among
parents of fourth form students in three schools in Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia. Parents who are
able to read and understand Malay and consented to the study were required to answer a validated
questionnaire on their knowledge regarding thalassemia. They were also asked the reason for their
acceptance or refusal of the thalassemia screening of their children.
Results: In total, 273 participants took part in the study. The mean thalassemia knowledge
score was 11.8 out of a maximum score of 21. Low knowledge scores (adjusted odds ratio [adj
OR] 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79, 0.95; P = 0.002) and female sex (adj OR 2.60;
95% CI: 1.04, 6.53; P = 0.040) had significant associations with parental thalassemia screening
refusal. The main reason for screening refusal was that parents perceived that their children were
not at risk for the disease since they did not have a family member with thalassemia.
Conclusion: The mean thalassemia knowledge score among parents remains
unsatisfactory. A high knowledge score is important since it is associated with parental acceptance
of thalassemia screening for their children.
- Full text:3.2020my0846.pdf
