Identifying Factors Underlying the Decision for Sickle Cell Carrier Screening Among African Americans Within Middle...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Genetics

Background:

• Sickle cell trait (SCT) screening is recommended for African Americans to inform reproductive choices.
• Few studies have explored behavioral factors influencing SCT screening intention.
• A theoretical framework is needed to guide interventions promoting SCT screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with African Americans' intention to seek sickle cell trait screening.
• To apply a Sickle Cell Trait Screening Framework to understand screening intention determinants.
• To inform targeted interventions to increase SCT screening behavior.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey administered to 300 African Americans aged 18-35.
• Sequential ordinary least squares regression analysis to identify predictors of intention.
• Utilized a reasoned action approach (RAA) framework.

Main Results:

• Socio-demographic factors, knowledge, and fear beliefs were associated with screening intention.
• RAA constructs significantly predicted intention, explaining a substantial portion of variance (R² = .468).
• Perceived behavioral control (β = .576), attitude (β = .325), and perceived norm (β = .192) were significant predictors.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest interventions should address perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and social norms.
• Strategies like reducing screening costs and fears can increase SCT screening uptake.
• Increased awareness of sickle cell trait status empowers informed reproductive health decisions.