Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal illness characterized by a defect in the normal shape of red blood cells leading to lower efficiency in oxygen delivery. Patients suffering from SCA are more prone to infection, so they must be vaccinated against several infectious diseases. The present study aimed at assessing the prevalence and knowledge of extra vaccines among SCA patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study that lasted for 3 months was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, among patients with sickle cell anemia. The collection of data was done through a structured self-administrated survey.
Results: Among 150 SCA patients, 54.5% were male, 69.3% had a family history of SCA, and 51.7% had administrated additional vaccines. The overall knowledge was high among 30% and was low among 70%. The knowledge level was dependent on the employment status (p = 0.01) and administration of additional vaccines (p = 0.0001).
Conclusion: There was a low level of knowledge among SCA patients regarding additional vaccines. A few factors were identified as determinants of the knowledge level.
Key words: SCA, prevalence, knowledge, vaccines, Jazan
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