International Journal of Medical Sociology and Anthropology

ISSN 2756-3820

International Journal of Medical Sociology and Anthropology ISSN 2756-3820 Vol. 13 (5), pp. 001-006, May, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Perceptions of pre-marital genetic screening among polytechnic students in Osun State, Nigeria

Odelola, J.O.1, Adisa, O.2 and Akintaro, O.A.1*

1Human Kinetics and Health Education Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
2Physical and Health Education Department, Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Nigeria.

Accepted 8 January, 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the attitude towards pre-marital genetic screening among students of Osun State Polytechnics. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was self developed and structured questionnaire in four- point likert scale format. Descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages were used to describe the demographic data, while the parametric statistics of t-test and ANOVA set at 0.05 alpha level were used to test the hypotheses. A total number of one thousand, one hundred and sixty-five (1,165) Higher National Diploma (HND) students served as respondents for the study. Multistage sampling technique was used in three stages to select the respondents, namely: purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools; stratified sampling technique was used to select the Faculties and Departments, while proportionate sample of 25% was selected from each stratum. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The following were the values obtained: Difference in Attitude towards Pre-marital Genetic Screening (Crit-t = 1.96, Cal.t = 1.310, df = 1163, P>.05); Difference in Attitude Due to Religion (F(2,1162) = .689, P>.05) and Difference in Attitude Due to Course of Study (F(5,1159) = .585, P>.05). Conclusions were drawn based on the findings of the study. The study recommended, among other things, that religious organizations should serve as useful channels to disseminate health information since people always have respect for places of worship and religious leaders. Also, Health Education should be incorporated into the curriculum of Polytechnics.

Key words: Attitude, pre-marital, polytechnics, genetic disorders, screening, blood group.