| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: To evaluate the occurrence of sickle cell trait (SCT), assess patient awareness and
evaluate the performance of a sickle cell hemoglobin-S (dithionate-qualitative solubility) point-
of-care test among patients seeking care at Magale Health Center IV, Namisindwa District,
Eastern Uganda.
Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, in which we consecutively
enrolled participants aged ≥18 years at Magale Health Center IV. Four millilitres of EDTA blood
were collected by venipuncture and screened for SCT using solubility testing, and confirmed
with hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis at Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), Kampala,
Uganda. A structured questionnaire was used to assess participants’ awareness of SCT. Data
were presented as proportion, and measurements of diagnostic test performance were calculated.
Results: We enrolled 242 participants, of these 58.7% (N = 142) were females. Their mean
age was 26.4 years (range 18–49). Of the 242 participants, 11, who represent 4.5% (95% CI:
3.3–5.9), tested positive. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the rapid sickle cell test were 63.64%, 100%, 100% and 98.30%, respectively.
There was a knowledge gap regarding sickle cell awareness.
Conclusion: The occurrence of SCT was high, and the point-of-care test showed high
diagnostic reliability. The risk of SCT is associated with genetic predisposition as indicated by
Hb electrophoresis. Community sensitization is key to avert the associated risk of Hb defects. | en_US |
