Burden experienced by informal caregivers of children with sickle cell disease (SCD): a qualitative exploratory study at Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to explore the burden experienced by informal caregivers in caring for their children with sickle cell disease (SCD). DESIGN: A qualitative exploratory design was employed in the study using in-depth interviews. SETTING: The study was conducted at the sickle cell clinic of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana. PARTICIPANTS: Data were gathered from 15 purposively selected informal caregivers, whose children with SCD received care at the sickle cell clinic of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, using a semistructured in-depth interview guide in May–June 2021. Their responses were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Five major themes emerged from data analysis. These were: the burden of children’s ill-health; financial burden; employment challenges; psychosocial burden and determinants of caregivers’ burden. These burdens destabilised the personal lives, financial standing, social relationships, and employment of caregivers in general and that of other immediate family members, thus, impacting family processes and health. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals must devise strategies for counselling, early diagnosis and effective management of children with SCD across Ghana. The Ministry of Health must subsidise medications and laboratory services for children with SCD to help minimise the financial burden on caregivers. Further, counselling and psychological support services must be established in hospitals to assist caregivers to cope effectively.