Knowledge of Haemoglobin Types at Union among Couples and Impact on Offspring; a Cross-sectional Study in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed at assessing haemoglobin (Hb) types of couples, their knowledge of Hb types at the time of union and outcome on offspring. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Abi local government area of Cross River State between March and July, 2018. Methodology: Two hundred consenting couples and their 445 offspring were enrolled in this study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered by two trained interviewers to capture the bio-data and other pertinent information in relation to couple’s knowledge of Hb types. Blood sample was collected from each participant and Hb type was determined by electrophoresis in alkaline pH using cellulose acetate method. Results: Thirty-eight percentage (38%) of the females and 30% of the males who participated in this study lacked knowledge of their haemoglobin type at the time of producing offspring. Haemoglobin type AA predominated (70% of females and 72% of males), while 30% females and 28% males accounted for the presence of AS. The Hb types of their offspring were 79% AA, 15% AS and 6% SS. Among AS and AS couples, 67% had no knowledge of their Hb type prior to having children and contributed to 85% of children with Hb SS. Conclusion: Ignorance of haemoglobin types prior to having children contributed to the high prevalence of Hb SS observed in the present study.