An Education Programme on Sickle Cell Anemia and ß-Thalassemia for the 8th Grade Students

ß-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia (SCA) are major health problems in Çukurova. Screening studies have been carried on in this region for many years. The government started premarital screening programme and prenatal diagnosis has been done in Çukurova University Medical Faculty since 1992. In spite of all these, the prevention programme has not been successful. The purpose of this study was to start an education programme to increase the awareness of the people for these severe hereditary diseases. The target population was the 8th grade students. A visual presentation was given to students on Thalassemia and SCA after examining the curriculum in the Biology and/or the Science books. A total of 1221 students in seven Elementary Schools were informed. A questionnaire was given to five schools before the presentation and to two after the presentation. The comparison of the two group's result showed that the information given was well received. Thus, an extensive education programme encompassing doctors, health personel, civil and religious leaders and the support of the government will result in nil SCA and Thalassemia births.