Title: KNOWLEDGE OF TRIBAL FARM WOMEN REGARDING SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Authors: Arti N. Soni, A. J. Dhodia and C. D. Pandya

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: sickle cell trait, sickle cell disease, knowledge, medical consultancy

Volume: 41

Issue: 1

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.1.0032

Abstract: Sickle cell anemia is one of the most common inherited disease worldwide, which may affect various organ of the human body. Sickle cell anemia is widely spread among tribal communities in India. Tapi is tribal dominated district. A high prevalence of the sickle gene has been demonstrated in various tribal communities of Tapi district. The patient suffering from sickle cell anemia develops blood related complication and can be suspected due to genetic history or by conducting medical examination. Therefore, to combat against this hereditary disease we need to focus on tribal communities. Knowledge plays an important role for achieving desired outcome. Knowledge of any individual increases his/ her awakening. Based on this background, the present study was carried out to assess the knowledge of tribal farm women regarding sickle cell anemia in Tapi district. The data were collected purposively from 300 tribal farm women of Tapi district who have positive sickle cell status. The data were collected with the help of structured interview schedule and analyzed with appropriate statistical tools. It is observed that majority of tribal farm women had young aged, sickle cell trait status, married, in joint family, above five members in family and nearly half of tribal farm women had education upto secondary level. More than half of tribal farm women had no any type of social participation but they were taking medical consultancy and majority of tribal farm women gained information about sickle cell anemia from ASHA workers/ Health workers and health camps. The data clearly revealed that education and medical consultancy were the most important determinants influencing knowledge regarding sickle cell anemia. Majority of tribal farm women had very low to low level of knowledge regarding sickle cell anemia. Therefore, there is need to increase sickle cell screening, health camps, awareness programmes and training programmes in tribal areas for prevention of sickle cell anemia disease.