Awareness and Acceptance of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Sickle Cell Disease in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Sickle cell diseases (SCD) are a group of inherited disorders that lead to abnormal beta subunits of hemoglobin (Hb) and are characterized by several complications which can be life-threatening. The prevalence of this disease is high in Jazan province, Saudi Arabia. The current protocol for the treatment of SCD is mainly based on alleviating signs and symptoms to avoid severe complications. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is considered a definitive therapy for SCD. However, there is a long patient waiting list for HSCT in Saudi Arabia. A lack of community awareness and incorrect information about the importance of HSCT in SCD treatment is believed to be contributing to the shortage in HSCT. Thus, this study aims to assess community awareness and attitudes toward HSCT as a cure for SCD in Jazan province, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in Jazan province. General and demographic data were collected and pretested survey including questions about public knowledge and attitude toward HSCT for SCD were answered. Both t-test and chi-square tests were used for analysis.

Results: 1167 participants were included in this study with a mean age of 26 (SD: 8). About 50% of the study participants believed that SCD can be treated and 78% of the study participants already have heard about HSCT. About 57% of the participants defined HSCT correctly and 42% were willing to donate. Better knowledge and positive attitude toward HSCT were significantly reported among patients with SCD or their relatives as well as among people with higher education and healthcare workers (HCW).

Conclusion: About 57% of the study participants were able to define HSCT and most related questions were answered correctly. A positive correlation was found between the knowledge about HSCT and people with higher education or those who were diagnosed with SCD or their relatives and friends. Further, only 42% of our study participants were willing to donate, a percent that is positively associated with better knowledge about HSCT. National education programs are needed to enhance the overall awareness of Jazan communities toward HSCT which could contribute to reducing the number of patients waiting for HSCT.