BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is of major public health concern globally, with majority of patients living in Africa. Despite its relevance, there is a dearth of research to determine the socio-demographic distribution and psychosocial impact of SCD in Ghana. The objective of this study was to examine the socio-demographic distribution and psychosocial consequences of SCD among patients in Ghana and to assess their quality of life and coping mechanisms.MethodsA cross-sectional research design was used that involved the completion of questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics, quality of life, coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression. Participants were 387 male and female patients attending a sickle cell clinic in a public hospital.ResultsResults showed that majority of the patients were single, female, less than 39 years old and had attained secondary school level of education or less. Also, patients were more satisfied by the presence of love, friends and relatives as well as home, community and neighbourhood environment. While pains of varied nature and severity were the major reasons for attending hospital in SCD condition, going to the hospital as well as having faith in God was the most frequently reported mechanisms for coping with an unbearable SCD attacks. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that some socio-demographic and quality of life indicators had strong associations with anxiety and/or depression.ConclusionsIt is recommended that a holistic intervention strategy incorporating psychosocial dimensions should be considered in the treatment and management of SCD.

Introduction/Background: Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder characterized by sustained hyperglycaemia due to loss of insulin secretion and/or impairment of insulin sensitivity at target tissues. More than 15.9 million people have diabetes accounting for more deaths in addition to infectious diseases in low income countries in Africa. Despite the alarming statistics the etiology and prognosis leading to the prevention and management of diabetes still lacks the needed attention and comprehensive education among patients in low income countries. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the knowledge of causes and effects of diabetic symptoms among patients in a low income country. Method: A qualitative methodological framework focusing on participant’s illness experiences and personal beliefs about diabetes was used. We purposely recruited 30 diabetic patients who exhibited diabetic symptoms. After demographic information, each respondent completed the LANSS to ascertain neuropathy after which a semi structured interview guide was used to elicit each respondent’s view regarding diabetes. Data was transcribed and analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Most respondents did not know their diabetic type and the precipitating factors for their diabetic symptoms. However some reported that their diabetes was spiritual and might have been contracted through bewitchment and other supernatural means. Others traced their condition to hereditary but the main causes of diabetes were generally lacking. Majority didn’t know their medications but requested for the need to have a much potent medication. Conclusion: Effective education and knowledge on the etiology, causes and prognosis of diabetes is generally lacking among patients living in poor countries. Disclosure V.A. Adzika: None.

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Aims Prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is high in Ghana but not much is known in terms of research into non-medical strategies for managing and coping with the pain associated with SCD. This study was carried out to examine effective non-medical related strategies patients use to cope and manage their SCD condition. MethodsSCD patients (387) at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital (Sickle Cell Clinic), consisting of 180 males and 204 females between 18 and 65 years old years participated in the study. A cross-sectional research design was used in which participants completed 9 questionnaires on pain, non-medical coping and management strategies, anxiety, and depression. ResultsOver 90% of participants reported that pains associated with SCD were the main reason for seeking treatment in SCD crisis. In terms of non-medical related coping strategies, attending a place of worship and praying were the main coping strategies used in SCD crises, suggesting that patients’ beliefs, particularly in a supernatural being, served as a mitigating factor in the process of coping with the pain associated with SCD crisis. Also, avoidance and withdrawal from people and social activities were reported to be strategies used to cope with the pain associated with SCD crisis. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that socio-demographic characteristics contributed to the variance in the pain associated with SCD. ConclusionThis study indicates that non-medical strategies, such as religious beliefs and psychosocial actions, are important factors for patients in Ghana for their coping and management of the pains associated with SCD. This knowledge may add to the understanding of the SCD-patients’ situation.

Background and aims Post-operative pain after caesarean operation remains one of the major complains after delivery. With the rising rate of caesarean deliveries, the assessment and management of acute pain has become a major concern for medical professionals in Ghana. The aim was to determine the association between the neuroplasticity of pain and depression using a postoperative pain assessment among women after caesarean section in Ghana. Methods A descriptive pilot studies consisting of 54 women who have undergone caesarean operations and reported of acute pain after three months were conducted in King David Hospital and Neptune Medical centre. A purposeful sampling was used to complete the Numeric Pain Scale (NPS) and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale to justify the inclusion criteria. While the Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were completed by participant. Results On the characteristics of their pain respondents scored above 7, on average, for hot pains (7.04 ±2.028, minimum of 5 and maximum of 10), unpleasant pains (7.33±1.907, minimum of 5 and maximum of 10), intense and deep pain (7.35 ±1.825, minimum of 5 and maximum of 10) and intense but surface (7.38 ±1.784, minimum of 5 and maximum of 10), each with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10. This implies that for each of those types of pain, respondents scored very high levels of intensity. Similarly, on intensity of pain sensation (6.43 ±1.814, minimum of 5 and maximum of 10), sharpness of pain (6.53±1.772, minimum of 5 and maximum of 10), how dull their pains felt (6.38 ±2.603, minimum of 0 and maximum of 10) sensitiveness of their skins (6.75 ±1.9, minimum of 4 and maximum of 10) and how itchy (6.98±2.137, minimum of 4 and maximum of 10) their skins felt with their respective standard deviations. On the depression scale, more than half of the respondents (51.9%) captured in this study had moderate depression. Conclusions We ultimately sought to conduct a test of association between ten indicators of quality of pain and depression. There turned out to be significant association between intensity of pain and depression (χ2 = 21.507; p < 0.001) simply implying that where there is a rise in intensity of pain, there is likely going to be depression. There was also a significant association between sharp sensation and depression (χ2 =31.256).