Abstract
Introduction: Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inheritable genetic condition resulting in the hemolysis of red blood cells after exposure to the risk factors. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia is 4.76%. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude and knowledge of Saudi mothers toward G6PD deficiency to guarantee the avoidance of triggering factors. Method: In this cross sectional study, 480 Saudi mothers from different cities across Saudi Arabia were recruited to assess their knowledge and attitude toward G6PD deficiency using an online questionnaire. Results: A total of 71% had not heard about G6PD deficiency and 291 (60.6%) had a poor knowledge level regarding G6PD deficiency anemia. Highly educated mothers had significantly (P=.007) higher scores than low educated mothers, mothers with children diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, females who had undergone a medical consultation before marriage and mothers who had genetic assessment before had recorded higher statistical significance (P=.001). As for risk factors, the most known among study mothers were eating fava beans (54.8%). Pallor was known for 56.7% of the study mothers regarding clinical presentation of G6PD deficiency anemia. 214 (44.6%) mothers agreed that G6PD deficiency anemia is a severe disease and 253 (52.7%) reported that consanguinity is a cause of G6PD deficiency anemia. Conclusion: About half the Saudi mothers had never heard of G6PD deficiency. Therefore, the knowledge levels were considered low. To ensure better prevention of the triggering factors, it is recommended to provide health education programs on G6PD deficiency.