Reproductive Decision Making in Women with Sickle Cell Trait

Research Update

This is the title of a piece of research that has been taking place through Sickle Central in Brent. The aim is to find out more about the experiences of women who are healthy carriers of sickle cell disorders and thalassaemia trait and how they make decisions about having children.

With advances in technology, people are now being given more options of finding out if they are at risk of having children with a genetically inherited disorder. One of the main reasons people want to find out if they have unusual haemoglobin is because their children may be at risk of a condition like sickle cell disorders. This study is about finding out from women who are in this situation and the experience and decisions they have faced.

Interviews will be conducted with women of childbearing age who have trait for either sickle cell or thalssaemia. Participants will be asked about their decisions about having children and their experiences of health services. His may include asking how they felt when they have trait, whether they received enough information about it and what their attitudes are towards antenatal diagnosis.

There is very little research in this area and it is hoped that the information collected during this project will be of genetic counselling and screening interest.

If you would like to find out further information or take part yourself please contact me at Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, 122 High Street, Harlesden, London. NW10 4SP.

Tel: 020 896 9005
E-mail: A.Asgharian@rhbnc.ac.uk

Anna Asgharian (Reseacher)
Clinical Psychologist in Training