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. 2017 Jan 31;36(1):4.
doi: 10.1186/s41043-017-0081-5.

Socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial consequences of sickle cell disease: the case of patients in a public hospital in Ghana

Vincent A Adzika  1 , Franklin N Glozah  2 , Desmond Ayim-Aboagye  2 , Collins S K Ahorlu  3
Affiliations

Socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial consequences of sickle cell disease: the case of patients in a public hospital in Ghana

Vincent A Adzika et al. J Health Popul Nutr. .

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is of major public health concern globally, with majority of patients living in Africa. Despite its relevance, there is a dearth of research to determine the socio-demographic distribution and psychosocial impact of SCD in Ghana. The objective of this study was to examine the socio-demographic distribution and psychosocial consequences of SCD among patients in Ghana and to assess their quality of life and coping mechanisms.

Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used that involved the completion of questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics, quality of life, coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression. Participants were 387 male and female patients attending a sickle cell clinic in a public hospital.

Results: Results showed that majority of the patients were single, female, less than 39 years old and had attained secondary school level of education or less. Also, patients were more satisfied by the presence of love, friends and relatives as well as home, community and neighbourhood environment. While pains of varied nature and severity were the major reasons for attending hospital in SCD condition, going to the hospital as well as having faith in God was the most frequently reported mechanisms for coping with an unbearable SCD attacks. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that some socio-demographic and quality of life indicators had strong associations with anxiety and/or depression.

Conclusions: It is recommended that a holistic intervention strategy incorporating psychosocial dimensions should be considered in the treatment and management of SCD.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Ghana; Quality of life; Sickle cell disease; Socio-demographic characteristics.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Quality of life indicators: health, self-esteem, goal and values and money. Four qualities of life indicators: health, self-esteem, goal and values and money. The x-axis represents quality of life indices, and the y-axis represents the level of satisfaction with each quality of life index. Red, blue and green bars represent dissatisfaction, indifference and satisfaction with quality of life, respectively
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Quality of life indicators: work, play, learning and creativity. Four qualities of life indicators: work, play, learning and creativity. The x-axis represents quality of life indices, and the y-axis represents the level of satisfaction with each. Red, blue and green bars represent dissatisfaction, indifference and satisfaction with quality of life, respectively
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Quality of life indicators: helping, love, friends and children. Four qualities of life indicators: helping, love, friends and children. The x-axis represents quality of life indices, and the y-axis represents the level of satisfaction with each. Red, blue and green bars represent dissatisfaction, indifference, and satisfaction with quality of life, respectively
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Quality of life indicators: relatives, home, neighbourhood and community. Four quality of life indicators: relatives, home, neighbourhood and community. The x-axis represents quality of life indices, and the y-axis represents the level of satisfaction with each. Red, blue and green bars represent dissatisfaction, indifference and satisfaction with quality of life, respectively
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