Pain management strategies for effective coping with Sickle Cell Disease: The perspective of patients in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Aims Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is high in Ghana but not much is known in terms of research into non-medical strategies for managing and coping with the pain associated with SCD. This study was carried out to examine effective non-medical related strategies patients use to cope and manage their SCD condition. Methods SCD patients (387) at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital (Sickle Cell Clinic), consisting of 180 males and 204 females between 18 and 65 years old years participated in the study. A cross-sectional research design was used in which participants completed 9 questionnaires on pain, non-medical coping and management strategies, anxiety, and depression. Results Over 90% of participants reported that pains associated with SCD were the main reason for seeking treatment in SCD crisis. In terms of non-medical related coping strategies, attending a place of worship and praying were the main coping strategies used in SCD crises, suggesting that patients’ beliefs, particularly in a supernatural being, served as a mitigating factor in the process of coping with the pain associated with SCD crisis. Also, avoidance and withdrawal from people and social activities were reported to be strategies used to cope with the pain associated with SCD crisis. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that socio-demographic characteristics contributed to the variance in the pain associated with SCD. Conclusion This study indicates that non-medical strategies, such as religious beliefs and psychosocial actions, are important factors for patients in Ghana for their coping and management of the pains associated with SCD. This knowledge may add to the understanding of the SCD-patients’ situation.