Mothers' Knowledge of Sickle-Cell Anaemia in Nigeria

Abstract

The study ascertains knowledge of mothers of sufferers of sickle-cell anaemia specifically regarding aetiology of the disorder and acceptable medical care. One hundred fifty-seven mothers of children suffering from sickle-cell anaemia (HbSS) attending a haematology clinic of a general hospital in Lagos were randomly sampled and asked about the aetiology and their understanding of the rules of care using a short open-ended questionnaire. The mean age of the mothers was 37.4 and a significant majority belong to the lower socio-economic strata. Thirty-four percent reported having been informed of the hereditary basis of anaemia but 48.4% received no explanation. Doctors, nurses, and lay literature were the main sources of information on the condition, as well as its medical care. The considerable gaps in appropriate knowledge on sickle-cell anaemia in Nigeria observed indicates that adequate and properly-presented information to parents or guardians of patients should be an essential part of a comprehensive care plan.