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Safe Marriage for Thalassemia Prevention: The Gap Between Knowledge and Practices among Bangladeshi University Students
Project Lead
Md. Jubayer Hossain
Our Approach
We are conducting this research to address the critical public health issue of thalassemia in Bangladesh. Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that poses significant health challenges and economic burdens on affected families and the healthcare system. Despite awareness campaigns, there remains a gap between the knowledge of thalassemia and the actual implementation of preventive practices, particularly safe marriage practices among university students.
By focusing on university students, we aim to:
1. Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about thalassemia and its transmission among a key demographic that will soon be making marriage decisions.
2. Promote Safe Practices: Encourage the adoption of safe marriage practices, including premarital screening and genetic counseling, to prevent the transmission of thalassemia.
3. Identify Barriers: Understand the barriers that prevent students from translating their knowledge into practice, enabling the development of targeted interventions.
4. Inform Policy: Provide data-driven insights to inform public health policies and educational programs aimed at reducing the incidence of thalassemia.
Ultimately, our goal is to bridge the gap between knowledge and practices, fostering a culture of informed decision-making and proactive health management among Bangladeshi university students. This research will contribute to the long-term goal of reducing the prevalence of thalassemia in Bangladesh.
Research Objectives / Goals
Assess Knowledge Levels: Evaluate the awareness and understanding of thalassemia and its transmission among Bangladeshi university students.
Identify Practices: Investigate the current practices related to safe marriage, including premarital screening and genetic counseling.
Bridge the Gap: Analyze the discrepancies between knowledge and actual practices to identify barriers and facilitators to safe marriage practices
Context
Thalassemia is a major public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting thousands of individuals and imposing a significant burden on families and the healthcare system. It is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by the body’s inability to produce adequate hemoglobin, leading to severe anemia and other complications. The prevalence of thalassemia in Bangladesh underscores the need for effective prevention strategies, particularly through safe marriage practices.
Impact
This research aims to reduce thalassemia incidence in Bangladesh by promoting safe marriage practices and premarital screening. It will provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, inform educational curricula, and increase awareness among university students. By empowering students to make informed decisions and addressing cultural barriers, the research seeks to normalize safe marriage practices, leading to healthier future generations. Ultimately, this study will contribute to public health improvement, policy development, and a more health-conscious society, significantly reducing the prevalence and burden of thalassemia in Bangladesh.
Public Health Relevance Statement
This research is crucial for public health in Bangladesh as it addresses the high incidence of thalassemia, a severe hereditary blood disorder. By promoting safe marriage practices and increasing the uptake of premarital screening and genetic counseling, the study aims to reduce the transmission of thalassemia. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and health practitioners, leading to informed decision-making and the development of targeted interventions. Ultimately, this research will contribute to a significant reduction in thalassemia cases, alleviating the healthcare burden and improving the overall health and quality of life for future generations in Bangladesh.