HAEMOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION AS TREATMENT OPTION FOR SICKLE CELL ANEMIA PATIENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA: KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTANCE LEVEL.
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD), also known as severe autosomal recessively inherited red blood cell sickness, has an incidence in Saudi Arabia ranging from 6 to 145 instances per 10,000 people. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered to be the definitive and curative therapy. Our study aims to evaluate the knowledge and acceptance of HSCT as a therapy in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: Our cross-sectional study to assess Knowledge and Acceptance level of Haematopietic Stem cell Transplantation (HSCT) as treatment option in sickle cell anemia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to December 2024. The data for this study collected from Saudi Arabian regions using an Arabic-language questionnaire, and the study's population consist of Saudi adults over the age of 18, male or female, who suffer from sickle cell anemia, as well as people whose family members suffer from this disease. Participants were recruited after obtaining the questionnaire, which shared via several social media platforms (including Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook). The minimal target sample size of 384 was determined using a procedure based on prevalence estimation, 95% confidence interval, and 5% margin of error. Results: In our study on the knowledge and acceptance of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for sickle cell anemia in Saudi Arabia, we surveyed 386 young participants, predominantly female (68.7%), with a significant portion (31.3%) aged 21 to 23. Findings revealed that while nearly half (46.1%) support HSCT as a potential cure, a notable 43.3% remain hesitant due to fears of procedure complications and outcomes. Alarmingly, 56.5% demonstrated low knowledge levels about HSCT, emphasizing the critical need for educational initiatives. Additionally, 74.4% advocated for government funding for stem cell donations, highlighting awareness gaps and the necessity for better information dissemination. Conclusion: This study illuminates significant gaps in knowledge and acceptance regarding HSCT as a treatment option for SCA in Saudi Arabia. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve awareness and address concerns related to HSCT.