Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions regarding Sickle Cell Disease among Secondary School Students in Tawergha, a High-Prevalence Region of Libya: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant hereditary hematological disorder in Libya, with high prevalence in specific regions such as Tawergha. Despite this, Libya lacks a national awareness or neonatal screening program. This study aimed to assess knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward SCD among high school students in Tawergha. Methods: We conducted a pilot study between April and June 2026 among secondary school students in Tawergha. We distributed a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic data and 17 knowledge-based questions. We analyzed data from 104 students using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to evaluate gender-based differences.Results: Most participants were male (59; 56.7%), 65.4% were aged 17–18 years, and 53.8% were in their third year of secondary education. Parental consanguinity was 38.5%; 11 (10.6%) had a family member (siblings) affected by SCD, and 26 (25%) had an affected relative. Overall, 51.9% of students had heard of SCD; however, significant knowledge gaps remained: 52.9% could not define SCD, and only 16.3% correctly identified inheritance risks. Females demonstrated significantly higher awareness (68.9% vs. 39.0%, p = 0.002) and better knowledge of hereditary causes (64.4% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001) than males. Although 62.5% recognized the importance of premarital screening, only 39.4% viewed SCD as a serious public health issue, and only 11.5% were willing to marry a partner with the disease. Conclusions: Tawergha secondary students showed significant uncertainty about SCD, especially inheritance and clinical effects. The results support testing locally tailored SCD education and counseling interventions.