Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part B (2024)

Background: Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormality in the synthesis of one or more globin chains, alpha (α) or beta (β). Mutation of alpha or beta gene results in impaired production of the corresponding alpha or beta chains and subsequent imbalance of alpha to beta chain ratio.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude about thalassemia in a sample of medical student in Baghdad/Iraq, and to determine the Sociodemographic factors that affect their knowledge and attitude about thalassemia.

Subjects and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Iraq (Baghdad and Al-Mustansiriya) College of Medicine, from the 1st of February 2023 to the 31th of July 2023. Data collected by using a specially designed questionnaire form, filled by direct interview with a sample of medical students who were available during that period and accepted to participate in the study.

Results: A total of 400 medical students were participated in the study with mean age 19.9±1.25 years, College/School was the source of information about thalassemia among 310 (77.5%). Knowledge regarding thalassemia was poor among 118 (30%) of the participants, average among 145 (36%), and good among 137 (34%). Attitude regarding thalassemia was negative among 22 (5.5%) participants, average among 120 (30%), and positive among 258 (64.5%).

Poor knowledge regarding thalassemia was significantly higher among participants within age group (21-24years) P=0.024. Good knowledge regarding thalassemia was significantly higher among participants within second grade, married, and their mothers occupation was health care provider (p<0.001, P=0.037), and p<0.001) respectively. Positive attitude regarding thalassemia was significantly higher among participants within age group (21-24 years), males, third grade, Provinces other than Baghdad, their fathers and mothers education was more than secondary school, (P=0.01, P=0.015, p<0.001, P=0.026, p<0.001, and P=0.008) respectively.

Conclusions: One third of medical students (first, second, and third grades) has good knowledge about thalassemia, while 2/3 were with positive attitude.