Adolescents with sickle cell anaemia: Experience in a private tertiary hospital serving a tertiary institution

BACKGROUND: Many adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) have adjustment difficulties in the transition period from paediatric care to the adult system because they find themselves in unfamiliar waters where they have to learn to manage themselves. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalent crises and morbidities associated with SCD in adolescents in Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), to also assess the level of knowledge of these adolescents about SCD and to determine their emotional response to the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of case notes of adolescents with sickle cell anaemia that were seen in BUTH, from May 2013 to April 2014. Data extracted from the case notes was entered into a Microsoft (MS) Excel and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results were presented in tables. RESULTS: A total of 50 subjects were seen in the department during this study period. Vaso-occlusive crises in the form of bone pains (93.1%) were the commonest crises encountered. Associated morbidities were malaria 34 (85%), tonsilitis 1 (2.5%), pneumonia 1 (2.5%), leg ulcer 1 (2.5%), azotaemia 1 (2.5%) and subarachnoid haemorrhage 2 (5%). Majority (88%) had adequate knowledge about general health maintenance while knowledge on nutrition and appropriate analgesia use is still inadequate. Eleven (22%) had symptoms of depression, four (8%) had suicidal ideation while one (2%) had a history of attempted suicide. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of psychosocial intervention as part of a comprehensive health management for people with SCD.