Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPHON Practice Questions and Study Guide

The statement regarding Sickle Cell Disease that indicates it leads to a higher incidence in populations with a history of malaria is accurate due to the protective advantage that sickle cell trait provides against malaria. In regions where malaria is prevalent, individuals with the sickle cell trait, which means they carry one sickle cell gene (HbAS) and one normal hemoglobin gene (HbAA), have a survival advantage compared to those with normal hemoglobin. This phenomenon has resulted in a higher frequency of the sickle cell gene in areas where malaria is endemic, such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India.

Understanding the relationship between sickle cell disease and malaria provides insight into the evolutionary context of the disorder, illustrating how genetic traits can influence disease prevalence within populations. It is critical for healthcare professionals, especially those in pediatric hematology and oncology, to recognize these epidemiological patterns to better address the needs and risks of their patient populations.