Sankhi Sabina, Tharu Bharati Kusumya, Chaudhary Narendra, Yadav Sabita, Tamang Rasmila, Marasine Nirmal Raj
Department of Pharmacy, Modern Technical College, Pokhara University, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Department of Pharmacy, CiST College, Pokhara University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Inquiry. 2025 Jan-Dec;62:469580251371877. doi: 10.1177/00469580251371877. Epub 2025 Sep 1.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a major health burden among the Tharu community in Bardiya, Nepal, where gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices hinder effective disease prevention and management. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding SCD among the Tharu community in Bardiya District in Nepal. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 individuals from the Tharu community across 3 municipalities in Bardiya District, Nepal, from April to September 2024, using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Pearson's chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed at a 5% significance level to determine the associated factors. Of the total, 74.5% of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge, 70% exhibited positive attitudes toward SCD, while 81.8% displayed poor practices. Illiteracy and occupations such as laborer, farmer, housewife, and others were significantly associated with poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practices. Male gender was linked to both poor knowledge and poor practice. Belonging to lower wealth quintiles was associated with negative attitudes and poor practices. Being aged ≥30 years was associated with poor practice only. Despite good knowledge and positive attitudes, SCD-related practices were poor among the Tharu community, influenced by age, gender, education, occupation, and income. Targeted, culturally appropriate interventions including awareness campaigns, school-based education, accessible screening, and genetic counseling are essential to improve practices and reduce SCD burden in Nepal.
镰状细胞病（SCD）给尼泊尔巴迪亚的塔鲁族社区带来了重大的健康负担，该社区在知识、态度和行为方面存在的差距阻碍了疾病的有效预防和管理。本研究旨在评估影响尼泊尔巴迪亚地区塔鲁族社区对SCD的知识、态度和行为的因素。2024年4月至9月，在尼泊尔巴迪亚地区3个市的423名塔鲁族社区居民中，采用多阶段随机抽样技术进行了一项基于社区的横断面研究。通过使用半结构化问卷进行面对面访谈收集数据。在5%的显著性水平上进行Pearson卡方检验和多变量逻辑回归分析，以确定相关因素。总体而言，74.5%的受访者知识掌握良好，70%对SCD持积极态度，而81.8%行为不佳。文盲以及劳动者、农民、家庭主妇等职业与知识匮乏、态度消极和行为不佳显著相关。男性与知识匮乏和行为不佳均有关联。属于较低财富五分位数与态度消极和行为不佳有关。年龄≥30岁仅与行为不佳有关。尽管知识掌握良好且态度积极，但受年龄、性别、教育、职业和收入影响，塔鲁族社区中与SCD相关的行为仍较差。开展有针对性的、符合文化习俗的干预措施，包括宣传活动、学校教育、可及的筛查和遗传咨询，对于改善行为并减轻尼泊尔的SCD负担至关重要。
