Psychosocial Impact on Caregivers of Children attending Sickle Cell Disease Clinic at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest genetically inherited blood disease, affecting black race. The chronicity of SCD combined with frequent hospitalization may have a significant psychosocial impact on the patient and family. These psychosocial problems are worst in developing countries like Nigeria, where there are inadequate social and health care facilities. Caregivers of children with SCD are tasked with the responsibility of managing their children’s condition, especially during a crisis. Objective: To assess the psychosocial problems of caregivers of children with SCD in Maiduguri. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of caregivers of children with SCD seen at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A total 130 caregivers were randomly selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess their psychosocial problems. Results: One hundred and twenty-seven questionnaires were valid for analysis. Ninety-eight (77.2%) of the respondents were mothers, two-third were from low social class and unemployed full-time housewives. Fifty-seven (44.9%) of them felt scared when their children had crisis. Thirty-four (26.5%) of the caregivers had feelings of being emotionally depressed, while 79 (61.9%) had coping mechanisms for handling the different forms of psychological problems including emotional distress, disruption of lifestyle that are associated with SCD unforeseen crises. Fifty-two (40.9%) of the caregivers had reduced recreational activities when their children had crises, while 41 (32.3%) had reduced social activities. Thirty-two (26%) of the caregivers were uninterested in anything when their wards were in crisis. Thirty-two (25.2%) caregivers felt unhealthy when children were in crises, whilst 42 (33.1%) were uninterested in other activities. Conclusion: There is a high level of psychological distress experienced by caregivers of children with SCD, especially during a crisis. Routine psychosocial counselling is recommended during follow-up visits.