Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is known to be a major genetic condition that affects the populations of almost all the nations of the world, especially the African continent. Evidently, the trait of SCD has been said to have its roots in the soil of Africa, with an estimated prevalence rate between 10% and 40% among the entire population and among 300,000 children worldwide. SCD among children born in Africa has been estimated to have a prevalence rate of 75–85% and a mortality rate of 50–80% among children under 5 years. SCD is an inherited disorder in which there is a gene mutation that results in the abnormal sickle-shaped formation of the red blood cell (RBC) responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. The RBC, therefore, becomes harder, making it difficult to pass through smaller blood vessels, hence obstructing adequate blood flow and oxygen supply to the body cells and tissues. There are more devastating complications associated with SCD that have been linked with children than with adults, which include dactylitis and hand-foot syndrome, infections. SCD-related challenges have been well-documented, and studies have shown that the presence of these difficulties impacts daily living and subsequently, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) right from childhood. Most children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are thought to pass away before reaching adulthood, with over 500 children with SCD dying each day due to inadequate access to appropriate treatment. Therefore, this chapter attempts to provide a thorough overview of the quality of life of children with SCD.