Parental Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common inherited enzymatic disorder that may result in acute hemolytic anemia when affected individuals are exposed to specific triggers. Adequate parental knowledge and appropriate attitudes are essential for prevention and early management. This study aimed to assess parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward G6PD deficiency. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents attending the pediatric outpatient department of Saqr Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected at a single point in time using a validated questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, KAP related to G6PD deficiency. The collected data were analyzed using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 350 participants were included in the study. The study population had a mean age of 39.32 (standard deviations = 9.08). Majority were females (88%), married (94.2%), Emirati (72.5%), and had a bachelor's degree or higher (61.1%). Only 7.43% of parents demonstrated good knowledge, whereas 44.00% showed a good attitude toward G6PD deficiency. Male gender was significantly associated with good knowledge ( P = 0.001), while no factors were associated with good attitude. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates substantial gaps in parental knowledge regarding G6PD deficiency despite relatively better attitudes toward preventive practices. Targeted educational strategies focusing on inheritance, triggers, and clinical features are warranted to improve awareness and reduce preventable complications.