Publication · Published · 2026
Uptake of sickle cell screening among sexually active unmarried young adults in Gulu City, northern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study
Scientific Reports · Article in Press (2026). A community-based study of sickle cell screening uptake among 321 sexually active unmarried young adults in Gulu City.
- Role / contribution
- Co-author
- Context
- Pece-Laroo Division · Gulu City, northern Uganda
Overview
This community-based cross-sectional study enrolled 321 sexually active unmarried young adults aged 15–35 years through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. The supplied publisher PDF is an Article in Press, accepted on 25 September 2026; the final edited version will replace it.
At a glance
- 85 of 321 participants (26.5%) reported ever undergoing sickle cell screening.
- Tertiary education was the sole independent predictor of screening uptake (adjusted prevalence ratio 2.89; 95% CI 1.98–4.21).
- Lack of awareness of where to access screening services was the most commonly cited barrier (52.1%).
- Findings describe the sampled population in Pece-Laroo Division; they are not a national prevalence estimate.
Evidence & source
Bwamiki, D. K., Okema, J. N., Lunyuta, S. O., Opaci, I., Abor, M. A., Acomo, G., Obal, R., Pitua, I., Bongomin, F., & Akello, F. (2026). Uptake of sickle cell screening among sexually active unmarried young adults in Gulu City, northern Uganda: a community-based cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports. Article in Press.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-73925-6
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