Prevalence Of Sickle Cell Disease And Sickle Cell Trait In Al-Madinah Region Of Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: The high prevalence rate of Sickle Cell Disease can cause health and social problems among populations. The knowledge on the prevalence of SCD and SCT is a pre-requisite for

reducing the affected individuals in different regions of the city. Therefore, in this study, the aim was to determine the prevalence of SCD & SCT in Al-Madinah City in KSA between 2015 and 2020 and compare hematological parameters between healthy subjects and SCD.

Method: A retrospective study was employed using a hospital-based population screening of 3211 patients for of SCD and SCT in King Fahd Hospital at Al Madinah between 2015 and 2020. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SPSS.

Results: The findings indicated that the prevalence rates of SCT and SCD in Al Madinah City between 2015 and 2020 was 6.23% and 7.44% respectively. Also, females had a greater prevalence of SCT, and males showed a greater prevalence of SCD. The findings indicated a strong prevalence of SCT and SCD in the age group of 10 to 19 years. Moreover, the study found variations in hematological parameters between healthy and SCT and SCD subjects.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of SCD compared to SCT in Al-Madinah City with age groups 10-19 years being affected more. The findings yield important aspects in SCD for decision makers in enabling prioritization of new programs and implementation of policy changes.