PERCEIVED PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING SICKLE CELL CENTRE IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, EDO STATE

Abstract

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in Nigeria and poses both physical and psychological challenges, especially among adolescents. Living with SCD during adolescence a critical stage of growth and self-identity often leads to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and low self-esteem. These challenges are worsened by frequent hospital admissions, stigma, and poor emotional support. Despite this, the psychological needs of adolescents with SCD are often neglected in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived psychological impact of living with Sickle Cell Disease among adolescents attending the Sickle Cell Centre in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of psychological symptoms, identify emotional and social challenges, and examine the available social support systems for adolescents living with SCD. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study. A Purposive sampling technique was employed in this study. The target population comprised 120 adolescents aged 10–19 years, out of which 115 completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Data were presented in frequency tables and percentages, while a Chi-square test was used to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that many adolescents experienced depression, anxiety, and emotional stress related to frequent hospital visits and peer rejection. Family and peer support were the most common coping mechanisms. The test of hypothesis showed a significant relationship between SCD and psychological symptoms (χ² = 48.91, p < 0.05). The study concludes that SCD significantly affects adolescents’ psychological well-being and recommends that nurses and other healthcare providers integrate mental health assessment and counseling into routine SCD care. Strengthening family support systems and promoting community awareness can also help reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for affected adolescents. Keywords: SCD, Adolescents, Psychological, Emotional, Well-being, Social-Support.

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urn:uuid:e28f6cb5-c7a4-4074-bdfd-475352e0d474