Abstract:

Promoting health literacy on pre-marital genetic counseling and testing of sickle cell disease among child bearing age in Nigeria has been a topic of dialogue among academics and public administration.

This study showed that majority of the respondent were aware of genetic counseling and testing as well as genotype and marital genotype while some know their genotype.

It was concluded that the general level of awareness of sickle cell disease and pre-genetic counseling and testing is very good although a few misconception and challenges still exist; most especially lack of enough health facilities and personnel’s to conduct the pre genetic counseling and testing activities. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the government and all authorities concerned should help curtail this problem. further awareness and success towards pre-genetic counseling and testing will occur if there is improvement in national health sector as well as entrusting dedicated centers to carry out an adequate services for pre-genetic counseling and testing all over Nigeria and beyond.

Keywords: literacy, pre-marital, testing, counseling, genotype, child-bearing.

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