Psychosocial impact of sickle cell disease on mothers of affected children seen at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Attention paid to psychological disorders of mothers or families of children suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD) in Nigeria has been inadequate.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychosocial impact of SCD on mothers of affected children and two control samples.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional controlled study.
SETTING: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
SUBJECTS: One hundred mothers of SCD affected children (SCD children) were the study sample while the controls were made of 75 mothers of children with bronchial asthma (asthmatics) and 75 mothers of children with some acute medical illness (AMI).
RESULTS: The mothers of children with SCD (SCD mothers) were significantly likely to report burden in the areas of finance, time consumption and hindrance from enjoyment of live and were also more likely to over-protect their children. A total of 28% of SCD mothers were identified as probable cases with psychological problems on SRQ compared to 20% and 25% of mothers of asthmatics and AMI children respectively, this differences were, however, not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: As a result of the prevalent psychosocial impact of this disease on mothers it is strongly suggested that special consideration in terms of routine psychosocial assessment and treatment be incorporated into the various levels of health care system. There is also the need to encourage the establishment of more social organisations like SCD clubs where affected families can interact and counsel one another.