Factors contributing to Low Utilization of Sickle Cell services among Caregivers of Children with Sickle Cell Disease at Dr Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital Kalongo, Agago District. A Cross-sectional Study.

Moses Ocen

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v2i6.167

Authors

Moses Ocen Kampala School of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 14623, Kampala, Uganda.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v2i6.167

Keywords:

Sickle Cell Disease , Sickle Cell Services , Care givers , Children

Abstract

Background:

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited disease that results in the hemoglobin becoming sickle-shaped in the presence of little oxygen. Utilization of sickle cell services has remained poor despite the discoveries of the screening tests, and the different ways of management, yet the burden of sickle cell is on the rise day by day here in Uganda. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine factors contributing to the low utilization of sickle cell services by the caregivers of children with SCD in Dr. Ambrosoli memorial hospital, Kalongo.

Methodology:

The study employed Quantitative (Researcher-administered structured questionnaires) for the caregivers and qualitative (Key informants) i.e the medical staff in the Paediatric ward and OPD sickle cell clinic. SPSS version 23.0 statistical software was used to generate descriptive statistics. All the information was coded and assigned to the study variables.

Results:

Results showed high utilization of sickle cell services among caregivers of children with SCD. This is the impact of knowledge about the disease, free services offered, being aware of the sickle cell services offered, negligible side effects of the medications given, good community perceptions about the sickle cell services offered, and good attitudes of health workers when delivering the services.

Conclusions:

It was found that there is high utilization of sickle cell services among the caregivers, and some factors affect the utilization positively while others negatively.

Recommendations:

Further research should be conducted to specifically determine the factors contributing to low utilization of Preconception sickle cell screening, to promote prevention rather than management of SCD.