Effectiveness of Educational Resources on the Prevention of Sickle Cell Anemia in Teenage Females

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic or inherited not curable but preventable disorder and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is a major public health concern in tribal communities not only in Gujarat but also globally. Gujarat, a western state of India, has a high tribal population. Sickle cell Anemia is a group of inherited disorders. In this disease, a person's red blood cells are affected especially the shape of the cell responsible for carrying oxygen to all body parts. There are variations in red blood cell shape like crescent moon or sickles. This is rigid and sticky which obstructs or slows the blood flow. Sickle cell trait or Sickle cell carrier is not a disease but the person has inherited the gene from one of his or her parents and does not have symptoms of sickle cell disease. when a person with sickle cell trait marries a person who has the gene or is a carrier of sickle cell anemia, the risk of sickle cell disease will increase in their children. Adolescence is the transition from the world of childhood to the world of adulthood. It is the period of physical and emotional development that occurs. They have the right to know about disease, especially Preventive Measures of sickle cell anemia. They can also improve their quality of life by taking preventive measures.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of educational resources in preventing sickle cell anemia among teenage females.

Material and Methods: A quantitative research approach in that pre-experimental research design was used to assess the effectiveness of educational resources on the prevention of sickle cell anemia among teenage females. The study was conducted in selected schools of Bharuch. A purposive Non -probability sampling technique was used to select 60 teenage females at selected schools in Bharuch. The data-collection tool consisted of a personal profile and structured interview schedule to assess knowledge regarding preventive measures for sickle cell anemia. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result: The present study has revealed that the majority of (mean13.08) variables had average knowledge and (mean 8.69) variables had poor knowledge regarding prevention of sickle cell anemia among teenage females whereas in post-test ( mean 16.55 ) had average knowledge and ( mean 22.54 ) we’re had good knowledge and finding of calculated t value of knowledge score was 33.227 which was highly significant which indicates the planned teaching program was effective in improving the knowledge regarding preventive measures of sickle cell anemia.