Perceptions of Premarital Genotype Screening among Youths in Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State

This study focused on perceptions of premarital genotype screening among
youths in Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos State. Descriptive
survey research design was used. Population is made up of youths in area of
study. Sample of 400 (188 males and 202 females) respondents was used.
Questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.87 was used for data collection.
Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Findings, among
others, reveal that: 88.5% of the respondents have knowledge of genotype,
97.3.0% knew that genotype is inherited from parents and 99.0% agreed that
sickle cell genes (SS) are inherited from parents. Also, 91.0% of respondents
agreed that genotype screening before marriage is necessary, 93.0% indicated
that their fiancé/fiancée must be screened before marriage, and 98.0% stated
that screening before marriage will prevent sickle cell disease. It is
recommended among others that government and religious institutions should
make premarital genotype screening/testing compulsory; genotype and other
related hereditary issues should be built into school curriculum.