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ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF RELATIVES OF PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the attitudes and beliefs of relatives of eighty one SCD sufferers on
aspects of the disease, the relationship of their responses with global rating of burden, and
compare with the responses of relatives of cancer patients from a similar previous study.
Design: Cross-sectional survey.
Setting: Haematology outpatient clinic.
Measuretnents: Burden questionnaire and Goldberg's GHQ-12.
Results: NaturaUgenetic aetiologies were the most commonly proffered (>70%), compared
to 19.2% for cancer. Only 8.6% believed in re-incarnation theory for SCD. More than eighty
three per cent believed that caring had made family ties closer. Though 43.2% felt depressed
about patient's condition, 83.9% felt glad with caregiving roles, and there was no evidence
of stigma from the neighbourhood. Only 4.9% had known about possibility of SCD before
marriage. Over twelve per cent believed that SCD induced inferiority feelings in patient, and
33.3% that SCD caused lower intelligence. Beliefs and attitudes were not significantly
correlated with global rating of burden.
Conclusion: Beliefs about aetiology reflect availability of proven knowledge. The caregivers
evidenced emotional disposition for community psychosocial support roles if they can be
supported by social welfare and health education.
aspects of the disease, the relationship of their responses with global rating of burden, and
compare with the responses of relatives of cancer patients from a similar previous study.
Design: Cross-sectional survey.
Setting: Haematology outpatient clinic.
Measuretnents: Burden questionnaire and Goldberg's GHQ-12.
Results: NaturaUgenetic aetiologies were the most commonly proffered (>70%), compared
to 19.2% for cancer. Only 8.6% believed in re-incarnation theory for SCD. More than eighty
three per cent believed that caring had made family ties closer. Though 43.2% felt depressed
about patient's condition, 83.9% felt glad with caregiving roles, and there was no evidence
of stigma from the neighbourhood. Only 4.9% had known about possibility of SCD before
marriage. Over twelve per cent believed that SCD induced inferiority feelings in patient, and
33.3% that SCD caused lower intelligence. Beliefs and attitudes were not significantly
correlated with global rating of burden.
Conclusion: Beliefs about aetiology reflect availability of proven knowledge. The caregivers
evidenced emotional disposition for community psychosocial support roles if they can be
supported by social welfare and health education.
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