Knowledge, Attitude and Acceptance of Premarital Genotype Testing and Counselling Among National Youth Service Corps Members in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Background: Pre-marital Genotype Testing and Counseling is a process aimed at assessing genetic compatibility in prospective couples, with a primary focus on preventing health risks and inherited diseases, like Sickle Cell Disease. This condition affects over 300,000 children globally each year, with Nigeria having one of the highest prevalence rates at 1 to 3%. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a one-year program for recent graduates, a crucial life stage where marriage decisions are contemplated. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and acceptance of premarital genotype testing and counselling among National Youth Service Corps Members in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 unmarried National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State. Information was gathered through a self-administered pretested questionnaire, and the respondents were selected using the multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were subsequently analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The statistical test used was Chi-squared test and the P-value obtained was 0.05. Results: The study revealed that 57% of participants are within the age range 21 to 25, followed by 26 to 30 age group at 40% with a mean of 23.9 and SD of 0.54. There was high level of acceptance at 86.8%, a majority were aware of premarital genotype testing and counseling for sickle cell disease screening at 81.1%, and slightly above average held a positive attitude towards it at 57%. Importantly, those with tertiary education showed good knowledge and high level of acceptance. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study revealed that the majority of the participants possessed good knowledge and a high level of acceptance regarding premarital genotype testing and counseling. Only a slightly above average had positive attitude towards PGTC. This implies that efforts should still be made to raise awareness and correct misconceptions about PGTC.