A Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Thalassemia among the People of Gilgit and Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Thalassemia, an inherited blood ailment with a 5 to 8% frequency in the beta-thalassemia gene, is a significant health issue in Pakistan, regardless of ethnicity. A study was conducted in Gilgat, Azad Jammu Kashmir, Pakistan, to assess the general public's awareness of the disease. A systematic questionnaire was created, asking 24 questions on awareness. Only 178 participants answered the questionnaire, indicating low knowledge. Those who correctly answered 13-18 questions had average knowledge, while those who answered more than 18 questions had strong knowledge. Of the 178 participants who had heard the term, 5.4% had a "good" level of awareness, 20.6% had average understanding, and 74% had poor understanding. The study revealed that the general population of Gilgit and Azad Jammu Kashmir, Pakistan, had little understanding of Thalassemia.