G529(P) Views and experiences of parents and physicians on the care of children with sickle cell disease in cameroon

Abstract

Background Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects two in 100 Cameroonian newborns, with 50%–90% of affected children dying before their fifth birthday. Despite this burden, there is no national SCD programme in Cameroon. This study aimed to assess parents’ and physicians’ knowledge of SCD, their satisfaction with the quality of care and their recommendations to improve the treatment of SCD in Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires in English, and French, distributed in an electronic format to physicians throughout Cameroon. Paper-based questionnaires were also administered to parents in the West and North West regions of Cameroon. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Results Fifty-four parents and 205 physicians were recruited. 72.2% of parents had good knowledge of SCD, 72.2% of parents were satisfied with the quality of care. Attending a sickle cell clinic (AOR 22, 95% CI 17.70–250) was significantly associated with having good knowledge. 14.2% of physicians had good knowledge, 23.3% of physicians were satisfied with the management of SCD. Seeing more than five patients per month (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.23–8.20) was significantly associated with having good knowledge. Sickle cell clinics, national guidelines and subsidised treatment were the top three measures proposed by physicians and parents to improve the management of SCD in Cameroon. Conclusion Knowledge of SCD and satisfaction with care were poor among Cameroonian physicians. There is a need for a national programme and a comprehensive system of care for SCD in Cameroon.