Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease is a chronic debilitating condition. Nigeria has the largest pool of the sickle
cell gene in the world. Three to five million people are affected in Nigeria. Knowledge of the disease may help
in reducing the national prevalence.
Objective: To determine the level of awareness of sickle cell disease in a typical rural community of Delta State.
Method: Structured researcher-administered questionnaires were used to collect information from residents of
Akoku-Uno community of Delta state.
Resuts: One hundred and seventy four (174) persons were surveyed . Ninety two (52.9%) were males while
82(47.1%) were females. About thirteen percent (13.4%) of the respondents have tertiary education. They
were mainly farmers (31%) and Christians (77.6%); 76.4% have heard about sickle cell disease. Knowing
about the disease from seeing a sufferer (38.3%), from friends (22.6%) and radio (18.8%). Only 5.3% have
heard about the disease from the church. It is a disease of the blood (45.1%) and is inherited (27.8%). The
patients complain of bone pains(39.8%), 72.2% respondents said the best treatment is given by medical doctors
and 12% knew the patients can become lawyers, doctors, engineers.
Conclusion: There is a high level of awareness of sickle cell disease among rural dwellers of Delta state. It is a
disease of public health importance. Lack of tertiary education does not adversely affect awareness. The
churches play a little role in the awareness of sickle cell disease. More & continuous awareness campaigns
should be launched in the churches and worship centres.