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01-10-2018 | Original Research

Identifying Factors Underlying the Decision for Sickle Cell Carrier Screening Among African Americans Within Middle Reproductive Age

Authors: Tilicia L. Mayo-Gamble, Susan E. Middlestadt, Hsien-Chang Lin, Jennifer Cunningham-Erves, Priscilla Barnes, Pamela Braboy Jackson

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 5/2018

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.

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Title: Identifying Factors Underlying the Decision for Sickle Cell Carrier Screening Among African Americans Within Middle Reproductive Age
Authors: Tilicia L. Mayo-Gamble
Susan E. Middlestadt
Hsien-Chang Lin
Jennifer Cunningham-Erves
Priscilla Barnes
Pamela Braboy Jackson
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-018-0255-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Identifying Factors Underlying the Decision for Sickle Cell Carrier Screening Among African Americans Within Middle Reproductive Age

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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