Knowledge of Parents about Thalassemia in Tabuk City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors

• Sawsan Mohammed Alblewi, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Amirah M. Alatawi, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Ehab Mahmoud Hanafy, Prince Sultan Oncology Center, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk 47512, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Faisal Mayudh Althobaiti, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Abdulelah Hamad Al-Balawi, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Faisal Mohammed Alamrani, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Yazeed Mahmoud Ajwah, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Omar Muslih Albalawi, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Mohammed Majed Alquayr, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Sultan Ibrahim Alhamdi, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi ArabiaFollow

ORCID ID

Sawsan Mohammad Alblewi: 0000-0002-4992-2888

Amirah M Alatawi: 0000-0003-4638-9990

Ehab Mahmoud Hanafy: 0000-0002-5470-2433

Faisal Mayudh Althobaiti: 0009-0005-7379-5224

Abdulelah Hamad Al-Balawi: 0009-0000-3498-6021

Faisal Mohammed Alamrani: 0009-0008-0351-4417

Yazeed Mahmoud Ajwah: 0009-0004-0371-599X

Omar Muslih Albalawi: 0009-0004-3041-5036

Mohammed Majed Alquayr: 0009-0005-4647-912X

Sultan Ibrahim Alhamdi: 0009-0005-4009-4683

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is a common inherited blood disorder and remains a significant public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Parental knowledge is essential for effective prevention, screening, and early intervention. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of thalassemia among parents in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, and identify factors associated with knowledge levels.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 parents residing in Tabuk City between March and May 2025. Data were collected using a validated Arabic questionnaire distributed online. Knowledge was assessed using 21 items covering general thalassemia knowledge, thalassemia major, carrier status, and prevention. Knowledge levels were categorized according to Bloom’s cut-offs. Associations were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The median knowledge score was 7 (IQR 1–12; possible range 0–21). Overall, 68.1% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge, 29.1% moderate knowledge, and 2.8% good knowledge. Important misconceptions were identified regarding inheritance, carrier status, diagnostic testing, and prevention. Male sex was independently associated with poor knowledge (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.38–3.96, p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Parental knowledge regarding thalassemia in Tabuk City was generally inadequate. Targeted educational interventions, genetic counseling, and screening programs are needed to improve awareness and support disease prevention.

References

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Recommended Citation

Alblewi SM, Alatawi AM, Hanafy EM, Althobaiti FM, Al-Balawi AH, Alamrani FM, et al. Knowledge of Parents about Thalassemia in Tabuk City: A Cross-Sectional Study. Makara J Health Res. 2026;30.

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