HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AGED
8-17 YEARS AT KAMUZU CENTRAL HOSPITAL, MALAWI
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by both acute and
chronic complications that affect the daily lives of patients and lower
their quality of life. Objective: To describe the health-related quality
of life (HRQoL) and the associated factors in children aged 8 to 17 with
SCD attending the paediatric haematology clinic at Kamuzu Central
Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi. Methods: A mixed methods cross
sectional study was conducted at KCH. Patient data was collected with
the aid of a standardized case report form. HRQoL was assessed using
PedsQL™ Sickle Cell Disease Module by child’s report. Associations
between HRQoL scores and independent variables were evaluated by a
linear regression model. In-depth interviews were then carried out and
the qualitative data was analyzed using content thematic analysis.
Results: A hundred and sixty-three children with SCD were enrolled,
52.1% were females. Their median age was 11.2±2.7 years. The mean
global HRQoL score of the children was 62±17.3. The highest scores were
in the treatment domain (72.5±15.1) while the lowest scores were in the
emotions domain (55.2±28.7). The mean pain score was 58.8±16.3. The
factors associated with low HRQoL scores were pain (β-coefficient -6.97
CI (-3.07,-15.58); p value 0.034) and low haemoglobin levels
(β-coefficient 2.29 CI (0.65-3.91); p value 0.006 ). Conclusion: The
HRQoL of this population is low. Pain and low hemoglobin were
significantly associated with low HRQoL scores. A biopsychosocial model
of heath care delivery and health campaigns are recommended to improve
the HRQoL of the children.