Jude Tsafack Zefack
1,2* 
, Sybile L. N. Tatsadjieu
3,4, Selouis Fuanyi Nkengfua
1,5, Faustus Ajamah
1,6, Dora Mbonjo Bitsie
7, Cynthia-Edith Ara-Nabangi Ndive
1,8, Esua Alphonsius Fotindong
1,9, Yvonne Abwendo Mukenyu
5,7, Ndembe Djeni Erwan
4,10, Limen Kudion R. Steve
4,5, Nformi C. Monde
3,4, Njoya Y. Afssa Salma
4,11, Tambi Arrey Nellybel Ophundem
4,5, Essiane Oko’o Karen Davide
4,121 Social Epidemiology Lab e. V, Wuppertal, Germany
2 School of Global Health and Bioethics, Euclid University, Bangui, Central African Republic
3 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of Garoua, Garoua, Cameroon
4 Cameroon Medical Students’ Association, Yaoundé, Cameroon
5 Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
6 School of Health Sciences, Messa-Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaoundé, Cameroon
7 Break Sickle Cycle Association, Douala, Cameroon
8 School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
9 Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, Wurzburg, Germany
10 Université des Montagnes, Bangangté, Cameroon
11 Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
12 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Abstract
Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a major public health challenge in sub‑Saharan Africa. Medical students play a key role in its prevention, diagnosis, management, and advocacy, yet their preparedness in Cameroon remains poorly understood.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods study among medical students across Cameroon using an anonymous questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, stigma, social determinants, and advocacy engagement. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable methods, while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed.
Results: Among 333 participants, foundational knowledge was high: 99.7% identified SCD as genetic, and 95.2% recognized hemoglobin electrophoresis as diagnostic. However, gaps existed: only 58.0% identified hydroxyurea, and 22.5% understood curative options. Attitudes were positive, but perceptions of stigma persisted. While 82.6% were willing to engage in advocacy, only 36.3% had participated. Year of study predicted knowledge. Qualitative findings highlighted stigma, economic hardship, and training gaps.
Conclusion: Medical students demonstrate strong basic knowledge, but gaps in management and continued exposure to stigma remain. Curriculum strengthening is needed.