Psychosocial problems of sickle cell disease as experienced by primary paediatric carers in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Primary carers of children with haemoglobin SS (HbSS) experience psychosocial problems which may not be addressed by the medical team in their effort to provide adequate care for the child. Identifying these psychosocial problems early and providing help will not only ensure the paediatric patients experience a higher-quality lifestyle but will also reduce their frequency of crises. This study explored the psychosocial problems encountered by primary paediatric caregivers, as well as the coping mechanisms used by them, with a view to determine whether there was support network that influences their coping in southwest Nigeria. Methods: The study employed a descriptive design. Thirty-seven primary paediatric carers were purposively selected from the haematology clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex to participate in the study. The instrument used was an interview guide that explored the psychosocial problems and coping mechanisms of the primary paediatric carers. Results: A majority (89.2%) of the primary caregivers were mothers and 40% of the caregivers were aged 30–34 years old (36.2+7.9 mean, standard deviation). Reports from the interview of the primary caregivers revealed emotional distress and burden of time investment among other psychosocial problems. The coping mechanism mostly used, as reported by participants, was seeking instrumental social support, which in this study is explained as seeking assistance, support, information or advice about what to do. Conclusion: The study concluded that the primary paediatric carers experience some psychosocial problems and made efforts to utilise the support available to them in the context of the community they live in.