Health Related Quality of Life Regarding Physical and Physiological Parameters in Children suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by a chronic hemolytic anemia that contributes to painful crises. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by production of abnormal hemoglobin S and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. It may influence the quality of life of children, who may require more frequent hospital care. This study aimed to compare health related quality of life regarding physical and physiological parameters between children suffering from sickle cell Anemia and healthy children. A comparative study that was conducted at Outpatient Clinic and Pediatric Hematological Department in selected hospital at Makkah Al-Mukaramah. A purposive sample composed of 80 children was classified into two groups, 40 healthy children and 40 children suffering from SCD both groups fulfilling certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Tools: First tool was an observation checklist that was composed of three parts. Second tool was Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory that was used to assess children's quality of life. Results: Most of the children suffering from SCA had low level of QOL physical, social and emotional wellbeing subcategories as compared to healthy children and statistical significant differences were found. There were statistical significant difference regarding weight, arm circumference physical parameters and respiration, systolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation physiological parameter. It was concluded that, sickle cell anemia affect the quality of life of children suffering from it & There are differences in quality of life between children with sickle cell disease and healthy children. Recommendations: Awareness of parents regarding sickle cell disease helps in improving children's quality of life. Develop an educational program for parents regarding the prevention of sickle cell crises.