Introduction: Sickle cell disease is one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited diseases. Its prevalence is increasing due to the perpetuity of carriers of the trait who are able to marry. Women aged 18 to 35 years constitute the most reproductive age group. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of sickle cell trait among women aged 18 to 35 years and the attitude of women carriers towards the choice of a carrier spouse. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical aims conducted from March to September 2024 in Kisangani. A total of 215 women aged 18 to 35 years presented for screening for sickle cell trait. This study described the following parameters: Sociodemographic data (age, level of education, socioeconomic level, marital status), obstetric and medical history (obstetric formula, sickle cell disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, asthma), knowledge of sickle cell disease (etiological classification, transmission, prevention, high-risk marriages, clinical manifestations, progression of the disease), attitude of the woman in relation to the choice of an AS spouse, as well as the reasons justifying each attitude. Results: The prevalence of sickle cell trait was 23.7% (51/215). A total of 64.3% of respondents had accepted the choice of spouse before confirmation of carrier status and 73.8% had refused after confirmation of carrier status. Choice was significantly related to age (p-value = 0.027), occupation (p-value = 0.015), parity (p-value = 0.039) and gesture (p-value = 0.034) before test. The ignorance of the union at risk was associated with the risk (p = 0.005; OR: 9.10; CI 95%: 2.03 - 4.81) of accepting the choice of a spouse carrying the trait. Conclusion: The prevalence of sickle cell trait among women aged 18 to 35 years in Kisangani remains within the limits of that of the general population. The choice of a spouse carrying sickle cell trait is associated with the woman’s age, her profession, parity, gestation and her knowledge about high-risk unions. Screening campaigns and health education sessions enable women carrying sickle cell trait to make a wise choice.
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