CHALLENGES FACED BY FAMILIES WITH SCD PATIENTS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study sought to highlight the major challenges faced by families with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Kogi State, Nigeria. It was excited by the need to have empirically documented evidence aimed at guiding the affected families in making necessary preparations for coping and adjustment. The study was conducted using a purposive sample of representatives from 70 families (one for each family) with SCD patients in Ankpa Area Council of Kogi State, Nigeria. The study was guided by 5 research questions and two null hypotheses. The instrument used for the study was questionnaire for families with sickle cell patients (QFSCP) which was constructed by the researchers on a 4-point Liker scale. QFSCP was face – validated by three experts in various disciplines. The reliability was calculated from data generated from a pilot study on 30 families with SCD patients using the Split half and Spearman Brown prophesy formula which resulted in reliability coefficient of 0.82.QFSCP was administered on members of 70 families with SCD patients (one from each family) with the aid of two assistants. Data generated were analyzed using mean for the research questions and chi-square for the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Among other findings are: (I) Families with SCD patients are emotionally disturbed due to the enormousity of the pain. (II) Families with SCD patients need a lot of financial support as SCD is a high- cost intensive illness that continues throughout life. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made such as: (I) Government and care agencies should establish centers in hospitals and communities for SCD patients and their families where issues on challenges associated with the disease are handled. (II) Government and well spirited individual should endeavor to provide free treatment for SCD patients. This will ameliorate the financial burden of families with SCD patients.

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