PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE ON MOTHERS OF AFFECTED CHILDREN SEEN AT UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, ILORIN, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Attention paid to psychological disorders of mothers or families of children suffering
from sickle cell disease (SCD) in Nigeria has been inadequate.
Objective: To assess the psychosocial impact of SCD on mothers of affected children and two
control samples.
Design: A cross-sectional controlled study.
Setting: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Subjects: One hundred mothers of SCD affected children (SCD children) were the study sample,
while the controls were made of 75 mothers of children with bronchial asthma (asthmatics) and
75 mothers of children with some acute medical illness (AMI).
Results: The mothers of children with SCD (SCD mothers) were signifi cantly likely to report burden
in the areas of fi nance, time consumption and hindrance from enjoyment of live and were also more
likely to over-protect their children. A total of 28% of SCD mothers were identifi ed as probable
cases with psychological problems on SRQ compared to 20% and 25% of mothers of asthmatics
and AMI children respectively, this differences were, however, not statistically signifi cant.
Conclusion: As a result of the prevalent psychosocial impact of this disease on mothers it is strongly
suggested that special consideration in terms of routine psychosocial assessment and treatment
be incorporated into the various levels of health care system. There is also the need to encourage
the establishment of more social organisations like SCD clubs where affected families can interact
and counsel one another.