Abstract / Summary
Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common inherited enzymatic disorder, caused by mutations of the X-linked gene glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). This disease makes red blood cells highly vulnerable to oxidative damage and therefore susceptible to hemolysis.in people with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, infections, specific drugs and specific foods are the three main causes of hemolytic anemia. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient persons are usually asymptomatic, but serious clinical signs, such as acute hemolytic anemia, jaundice and congenital non-spherocytic hemolytic anemia, can be seen in patients with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in general consultant clinic at welfare children teaching hospital, Baghdad city, from 1st of February till 15th of July, 250 participants were selected and asked the questions which were included in the KAP questionnaire which is consisted of four parts (sociodemographic which contains 7 questions, knowledge part contains 3 subdivisions which are general knowledge contains 5 questions, risk factors contain 7 questions and clinical manifestations contain 7 questions, the attitude part contains 7 questions and practice part contains 6 questions) data analysed and processed using SPSS version 26. Results: Total study group were 250 participants, the highest proportion were within the age 16-30years old, (8.8%) reported having an affected child, and (28.8%) reported a positive family history. Knowledge levels were fair in 54.4% of participants, good in 36.8%, and poor in 8.8%. Attitudes were neutral in 44.8%, positive in 42.8%, and negative in 12.4%. Practices were fair in 54.0%, good in 36.0%, and poor in 10.0%. Higher education, governmental employment, and having an affected child were significantly associated with better knowledge. Similarly, educational level and occupation were significantly associated with maternal attitudes. Maternal practices were significantly influenced by age, education, occupation, and family history of G6PD deficiency. Conclusion: The study revealed widespread awareness of G6PD deficiency anemia among mothers, with varying levels of knowledge: one third had good knowledge, while over half had fair knowledge. There were gaps and misconceptions about inheritance, triggers, and complications. Attitudes were primarily neutral or positive, with nearly half of the respondents exhibiting a positive outlook on the condition and its management. Fair practices were reported by more than half of the respondents, while about one third had good practices. Higher education and employment correlated with better knowledge, attitudes, and practices, while a lack of family history was linked to better practices, and having an affected child was associated with higher knowledge levels.