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Article
Identifying Factors Underlying the Decision for Sickle Cell Carrier Screening Among African Americans Within Middle Reproductive Age
Journal of Genetic Counseling
  • Tilicia L. Mayo-Gamble, Georgia Southern University, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
  • Susan E. Middlestadt, Indiana University
  • Hsien-Chang Lin, Indiana University
  • Jennifer Cunningham-Erves, Meharry Medical College
  • Priscilla A Barnes, Indiana University-Bloomington
  • Pamela Braboy Jackson, Indiana University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-24-2018
DOI
10.1007/s10897-018-0255-3
Abstract

Guidelines recommend that African Americans know their sickle cell trait status to inform reproductive health decisions. Few studies have applied a behavioral theory to identify factors associated with sickle cell trait screening to inform intervention targets to increase this behavior. We applied a Sickle Cell Trait Screening Framework to identify factors associated with African Americans’ intention to ask for sickle cell trait screening. Participants (N = 300), ages 18 to 35, completed a cross-sectional survey. A three-step sequential ordinary least squares regression analysis identified factors influencing intention. Results indicated socio-demographic factors (age, education), knowledge and fear beliefs (screening knowledge, perceived threat), and reasoned action approach (RAA) constructs were associated with intention. RAA constructs influenced intention over knowledge and fear beliefs with an increase in R2 of .468. Perceived behavioral control was more predictive of intention (β = .576, p < .001). Attitude and perceived norm also had significant weights (β = .325 and β = .192, both p < .001, respectively). Findings from this study can inform strategies (e.g., eliminating costs associated with screening, reducing fear of painful tests) to increase sickle cell trait screening among African Americans. Ultimately, more sickle cell carriers will become aware of their trait status and be able to make informed reproductive health decisions.

Citation Information
Tilicia L. Mayo-Gamble, Susan E. Middlestadt, Hsien-Chang Lin, Jennifer Cunningham-Erves, et al.. "Identifying Factors Underlying the Decision for Sickle Cell Carrier Screening Among African Americans Within Middle Reproductive Age" Journal of Genetic Counseling (2018) p. 1 - 10 ISSN: 1573-3599
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/tilicia-mayo-gamble/29/