Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Healthcare Providers Regarding Sickle Cell Disease and Its Newborn Screening in Mbuji-Mayi, DRC

Abstract

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) remains a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa. Newborn screening (NBS) programs are crucial for early diagnosis and improved survival. However, their effectiveness depends largely on healthcare providers’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. This study assessed these aspects among providers in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 191 healthcare providers selected by stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with STATA version 16. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants associated with knowledge of SCD.Results: The median age of respondents was 29 years, with a predominance of females (71.20%). Most participants had a secondary or higher education level (97.38%) and were nurses (56.54%). About 76.44% had heard of SCD, mainly through television (64.38%) and radio (20.55%). Regarding attitudes, 74.66% believed in the importance of screening and supported early testing, while 98.95% favored referring newborns with SCD to hospitals. Perceptions revealed strong cultural beliefs: 82.20% associated SCD with mysticism or diabolical causes. Bivariate analysis showed that knowledge of SCD and its NBS was significantly associated with profession (crude OR = 36.30), prior examine SCD patients (crude OR = 36.00), and education level (crude OR = 14.15). In the multivariate model, two factors remained independently associated with adequate knowledge: being a medical doctor (adjusted OR = 23.382; 95% CI: 3.097–176.550; p = 0.0022) and having prior experience examining a patient with SCD (adjusted OR = 29.154; 95% CI: 3.584-237.150; p = 0.0016).Conclusion: While awareness of SCD and its NBS among healthcare providers in Mbuji-Mayi is relatively high, significant misconceptions and cultural beliefs persist. Professional category and clinical experience with SCD are key determinants of knowledge. These findings highlight the need for targeted training and sensitization to strengthen early screening practices and address sociocultural barriers.