Incidence of Sickle Cell Anaemia among Children Attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto

Abstract

Sickle Cell Anaemia is still considered the most common genetic disease worldwide, causing morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mediterranean areas, Middle East and India. Nigeria, being the most populous black nation in the world, bears its greatest burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of Sickle Cell Anaemia among children attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto. A total of one hundred (100) blood samples were examined for the disease. Out of the 100 children tested for the disease. (59%) were normal (HbAA), (35%) were carrier (HbAS) and (6%) were Sicklers (HbSS). The result based on gender showed that female has the highest percentage of the disease (5%) against male subjects with only (1%). A child between the age group 6-10 years has the highest rate of sickle cell anaemia (3%) while age group 11-15 years had the lowest rate of the infection. Improved knowledge regarding Sickle cell anaemia disease and its comprehensive care among Nigerian physicians will enhance quality of care for affected childrens and policy for regular genotype test by government and other stakeholders before marriage among Nigerians will help to prevent the disease.