Saudi mothers' knowledge, attitude and practice towards glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inheritable genetic condition resulting in the hemolysis of red blood cells after exposure to the risk factors. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia is 4.76%. Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude and knowledge of Saudi mothers toward G6PD deficiency to guarantee the avoidance of triggering factors. Method: In this cross sectional study, 480 Saudi mothers from different cities across Saudi Arabia were recruited to assess their knowledge and attitude toward G6PD deficiency using an online questionnaire. Results: A total of 71% had not heard about G6PD deficiency and 291 (60.6%) had a poor knowledge level regarding G6PD deficiency anemia. Highly educated mothers had significantly (P=.007) higher scores than low educated mothers, mothers with children diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, females who had undergone a medical consultation before marriage and mothers who had genetic assessment before had recorded higher statistical significance (P=.001).As for risk factors, the most known among study mothers were eating fava beans (54.8%). Pallor was known for 56.7% of the study mothers regarding clinical presentation of G6PD deficiency anemia. 214 (44.6%) mothers agreed that G6PD deficiency anemia is a severe disease and 253 (52.7%) reported that consanguinity is a cause of G6PD deficiency anemia. Conclusion: About half the Saudi mothers had never heard of G6PD deficiency. Therefore, the knowledge levels were considered low. To ensure better prevention of the triggering factors, it is recommended to provide health education programs on G6PD deficiency.

Assessment of Parents' Knowledge Regarding Pediatric Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Saudi Arabia

“…In the northern region, parents associating family history with G6PD were 75% less likely to have a child with G6PD deficiency, indicating that this belief reduces the likelihood of G6PD deficiency in their children. This finding aligns with the results reported in Algahtani et al's [ 8 ] study, which linked family history with G6PD deficiency anemia. This discovery highlights how parental viewpoints and convictions impact the occurrence of G6PD deficiency, emphasizing the necessity for precise education and heightened awareness concerning this condition.…”

“…This underscores the significant association between parental knowledge of this genetic link and the likelihood of having an affected child. The independent variable, "Knowledge that G6PD inheritance is linked to a child's sex," aligns with the findings reported in Alqahtani et al's [ 8 ] study, highlighting the crucial role of parental awareness in recognizing and seeking appropriate care or genetic counseling for G6PD deficiency in their child. The level of awareness of G6PD deficiency in the current study was very low (37.8%), which the findings which agrees with similar studies [ 8 , 15 , 24 , 25 ] that reported low levels of awareness.…”

“…The independent variable, "Knowledge that G6PD inheritance is linked to a child's sex," aligns with the findings reported in Alqahtani et al's [ 8 ] study, highlighting the crucial role of parental awareness in recognizing and seeking appropriate care or genetic counseling for G6PD deficiency in their child. The level of awareness of G6PD deficiency in the current study was very low (37.8%), which the findings which agrees with similar studies [ 8 , 15 , 24 , 25 ] that reported low levels of awareness. Indeed, these findings stand in contrast to a study conducted in Fars Province, Iran, by [ 26 ], which suggested that ethnic and cultural background held greater significance than the mothers' level of education in understanding G6PD deficiency risk factors.…”

“…This contradicts the findings in Alqahtani T et. al.’s study[ 8 ], which stated that the northern region had the highest knowledge level at 52%, while the western regions had lower knowledge levels at 21.4%.…”

“…Newborns with G6PD deficiency typically remain symptom-free until they encounter stressors or triggers, such as certain foods like fava beans, specific medications, or infections [ 6 , 7 ]. A crucial aspect of treatment involves avoiding these triggers, and in severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary [ 8 ].…”