Publications

Research outputs, reports, policy briefs and knowledge products from KIU scholars and partners.

2024 School of Allied Health Sciences Elite Journal of Public Health.

The Role of Parents: Strengthening Adolescent Education for Sickle Cell Disease Prevention

*Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu1 and Getrude Uzoma Obeagu2

This review article explores the critical role parents play in strengthening adolescent education for the prevention of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). SCD, a genetic blood disorder, places a disproportionate burden on populations with a high prevalence of carriers, necessitating comprehensive prevention strategies. Adolescence, as a pivotal period for genetic understanding and decision-making, offers a unique opportunity for parental influence. Through an examination of existing literature, this article investigates the impact of parental involvement, genetic counseling, and educational strategies on shaping positive health behaviors among at-risk adolescents. By empowering parents to be advocates in SCD prevention, this review aims to contribute to the development of effective public health initiatives that address the genetic complexities of this disease and promote informed decision-making.