Psychosocial Problems in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Anaemia on Hydroxyurea in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: A lot of adolescents with sickle cell anaemia constantly face unpleasant ill health conditions such as chronic pain as well as feelings of frustration over their general well-being and psychological adjustment which may distort medical care and spell bad prognosis for their condition. This study therefore assessed the psychosocial problems of adolescents with sickle cell anaemia who are on hydroxyurea in Jos, North central Nigeria. Method: This study was a comparative cross-sectional study among adolescents with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) who were on hydroxyurea and those not on hydroxyurea in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, North Central Nigeria. Eighty-eight participants who were from ages of 11- 17 years were selected for the study between February and August, 2020. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Test for association was done using Fisher’s exact test. Results: The result of the study showed that there was no difference between those on hydroxyurea and those not on hydroxyurea. The study equally showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in psychosocial life of adolescent SCA patients who used hydroxyurea and those who did not use hydroxyurea. Conclusion: Hydroxyurea medication in adolescents with sickle cell anaemia for a year and above did not impact on their psychosocial life.