THE EXPERIENCES AND VIEWS OF PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH.SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Abstract

Sickle Cell disease is one of the chronic illness that demand parental care and full responsibility. The experiences, attitude and views of parents/caregivers of children with SCD play a role in the care, treatment and prevention of the disease. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences and views of parents/caregivers of children with sickle cell disease. The study was conducted at the Child health directorate sickle cell clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana using analytical survey. Data was collected using guided questionnaires. From the respondents taking care of children with SCD greatly affected their daily routines and the emotional challenges that the whole family must cope with the anxieties and uncertainties created by the disease threaten the family financial and psychological stability. It is therefore concluded that attention must be given to the parents/caregivers of children With SCD at the hospital during hospitalization. Public health units and other non-• governmental agencies should be motivated to get involved in creating awareness of the existence of the disease and assist parents financially.