Stigma and quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease in Jamaica and the United States.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder in both Jamaica and the United States and is characterized by poor quality of life and debilitating complications, with the hallmark symptom being pain caused by acute and chronic conditions. Individuals with SCD often experience stigma due to their disease status, opioid use, and race. This study sought to understand the influence of perceived stigma and demographic/clinical characteristics on quality of life in adults with SCD in Jamaica (n = 50) and the United States (n = 50). Participants completed interviewer-administered surveys including demographic/clinical characteristics; the Measure of Sickle Cell Stigma (MoSCS); and the Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement System (ASCQ-Me). A set of general linear models for each country was built to examine the influence of explanatory variables on the quality of life outcomes. Overall, stigma scores were low for both countries, with the exception of the MoSCS disclosure concerns and expected discrimination subscales, where scores averaged medium and high, respectively. In both countries, being employed was associated with better quality of life; and reports of stigma (internalized stigma and expected discrimination) was associated with worse quality of life. These findings have several implications for healthcare providers caring for individuals with SCD, policy makers, and researchers. Specifically, findings can be used to advocate for improved access to mental health care for individuals with SCD and inform stigma reduction intervention approaches in SCD.

Ser adolescente apesar das restrições e da discriminação impostas pela doença falciforme / Ser adolescente pese a las restricciones y a la discriminación impuestas por la enfermedad de células falciformes / Being an adolescent despite the restrictions and discrimination imposed by sickle cell disease

Resumo Objetivo Compreender as experiências de ser adolescente com a doença falciforme. Métodos Estudo qualitativo, realizado em unidade de referência no estado da Bahia entre março e junho de 2018. Participaram dez adolescentes com doença falciforme, os dados foram obtidos mediante desenhos-estória com tema e entrevistas semiestruturadas e submetidos à análise embasada na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Resultados A experiência do adolescente com doença falciforme é representada pela categoria central "Buscando ser um adolescente normal, apesar das restrições e da discriminação impostas pela doença falciforme" e mais cinco categorias: "Sentindo-se diferente dos outros adolescentes", ao perceberem seu crescimento alterado, vivenciarem problemas clínicos e se compararem aos demais adolescentes; "Vivendo com restrições em sua rotina diária", de ordem física e alimentar demandadas no autocuidado e manejo da doença para o alcance de qualidade de vida; "Vivenciando situações ruins", na experiência de dor, constantes hospitalizações, medo da morte e incerteza quanto ao futuro; "Sentindo-se um adolescente normal", quando podiam manter suas atividades sociais com escola, amigos e família; e "Percebendo o estigma", ao temerem a discriminação e adotarem modos de ocultar que possuíam a doença. Conclusão Ao buscar ser um adolescente normal os participantes aspiraram assumir o controle sobre a própria vida, evitar rupturas na rotina e atender às expectativas sociais, protegendo sua identidade de rótulos e discriminação.

Resumen Objetivo Entender las experiencias de ser adolescente con la enfermedad de células falciformes. Métodos Estudio cualitativo, realizado en una unidad de referencia en el estado de Bahia entre marzo y junio de 2018. Participaron diez adolescentes con la enfermedad de células falciformes, se obtuvieron los datos por medio de dibujos-historia con tema y entrevistas semiestructuradas y sometidos a análisis con base a la Teoría Fundamentada en Datos. Resultados La experiencia del adolescente con enfermedad de células falciformes está representada por la categoría central "Busca ser un adolescente normal, pese a las restricciones y a la discriminación impuestas por la enfermedad de células falciformes" y otras cinco categorías: "Se sienten diferentes de los demás adolescentes", cuando se dan cuenta de su crecimiento alterado, vivencian problemas clínicos y se comparan a los demás adolescentes; "Viven con restricciones en su rutina diaria", de orden físico y alimentario que se demandan en el autocuidado y en la gestión de la enfermedad para lograr la calidad de vida; "Vivenciando malas situaciones", en la experiencia del dolor, constantes ingresos a hospitales, miedo a la muerte e incertidumbre con relación al futuro; "Sentirse un adolescente normal", cuando podían mantener sus actividades sociales en la escuela, amigos y familia; y "Percatándose del estigma", al sentir temor de la discriminación y adoptar formas de ocultar que padecen la enfermedad. Conclusión Al intentar ser un adolescente normal, los participantes aspiraron a asumir el control sobre sus propias vidas, evitar rupturas en la rutina y atender a las expectaciones sociales, protegiendo su identidad de clasificaciones y de discriminación.

Abstract Objective Understand the experiences of being an adolescent with sickle cell disease. Methods Qualitative study, conducted at a reference service in the state of Bahia, Brazil between March and June 2018. Ten adolescents with sickle cell disease participated. The data were obtained through drawings-and-stories with a theme and semi-structured interviews and analyzed based on Grounded Theory. Results The experience of adolescents with sickle cell disease is represented by the core category of "trying to be a normal adolescent, despite the restrictions and discrimination the sickle cell disease imposes", and five other categories: "Feeling different from other adolescents", when they see that their growth has altered, that they experience medical problems and compare themselves to other adolescents, "Living with restrictions in their daily routine", of physical and food-related restrictions, required in self-care and disease management to achieve quality of life, "Living in bad situations", in the experience of pain, constant hospital visits, fear of death and uncertainty about the future, "Feeling like a normal adolescent", when they were able to maintain their social activities, including school, friends, and family, and "Realizing the stigma", when they fear the discrimination and adopt ways to hide that they have the disease. Conclusion By seeking to be a normal adolescent, the participants aspired to take control over their own lives, avoid breaks from the routine and meet social expectations, protecting their identity from labels and discrimination.

Sickle cell disease in Grenada: Quality of life and barriers to care.

BACKGROUND: Grenada is a small, resource-limited Caribbean country with a high incidence of sickle cell disease (SCD). Since little is known about the challenges facing individuals living with SCD in the West Indies, we sought to assess barriers to healthcare and the impact of SCD on quality of life in Grenada. METHODS: Both adults aged 18+ (n = 19) and caregivers of children aged 2-17 (n = 26) completed validated survey measures regarding barriers to care and quality of life, along with a genetics knowledge questionnaire. Caregivers also completed a caregiver burden scale. Survey scores were calculated, and responses were analyzed for an association between demographic variables. RESULTS: The Barriers to Care Questionnaire, in which lower scores indicate more barriers, revealed that both adults (mean = 69.9) and children (mean = 75.5) with SCD experienced reduced access to care. The Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System indicated increased depression and loneliness in adults, with the lowest scores in the Emotional subscale. However, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory answered by caregivers of children with SCD showed the lowest scores in the Physical Functioning subscale. Further analysis using the Caregiver Burden Scale-Zarit Burden Interview revealed that 53.8% of caregivers of children with SCD indicated "little to no burden," which may reflect a difference in cultural expectations of a caregiver between high-income countries and Grenada. Finally, ~80% of respondents knew that SCD was a genetic condition; however, 61%-84% could not correctly indicate recurrence risks, demonstrating a need for additional education. CONCLUSION: These data provide new insights regarding the experience of living with SCD in Grenada and support the need for further investigations into specific barriers to healthcare delivery, which could also improve education and well-being for those affected by SCD in Grenada and in the broader Caribbean community.

BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sociodemographic and clinical aspects of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their behavioral characteristics. METHODS: Interview with parents of patients with SCD from four to ten years old, addressing socioeconomic aspects and other health conditions, and using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Clinical data were obtained from medical records. Exclusion criteria were the use of hydroxyurea, previous diagnosis of stroke, chronic encephalopathy and/or intellectual disability. RESULTS: 45 patients (19 girls and 26 boys) were assessed. The median age was seven years. Diagnosis of SCD: 26 hemoglobinopathy SC; 19 hemoglobinopathy SS. Socioeconomic class: D: 24.4%; C2: 44.4%; C1: 28.9%; B2: 2.2%. Clinical history: acute chest syndrome: 40%; transfusions: 66.7%; hospitalizations: 82.2%. SDQ findings: 88.9% clinical impact (emotional subscale: 68.9%); total score: impact in 48.9%. It was not possible to establish a relation between the severity of the disease and the results of the SDQ. Regarding socioeconomic class: among individuals of classes B2 and C1, 21.4% had impact at the total score; in classes C2 and D, this percentage was 61.3%. Regarding the schooling of the head of the family, with Elementary School at least, 39.3% of the children had impacts; for fewer education, this percentage was 64.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral impacts are highly prevalent in children with SCD. Individuals in socioeconomic classes C2 and D suffered more behavioral impacts than individuals in classes B2 and C1.

Behavioral characteristics of children with sickle cell disease / Características comportamentais de crianças com doença falciforme

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate sociodemographic and clinical aspects of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their behavioral characteristics. Methods: Interview with parents of patients with SCD from four to ten years old, addressing socioeconomic aspects and other health conditions, and using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Clinical data were obtained from medical records. Exclusion criteria were the use of hydroxyurea, previous diagnosis of stroke, chronic encephalopathy and/or intellectual disability. Results: 45 patients (19 girls and 26 boys) were assessed. The median age was seven years. Diagnosis of SCD: 26 hemoglobinopathy SC; 19 hemoglobinopathy SS. Socioeconomic class: D: 24.4%; C2: 44.4%; C1: 28.9%; B2: 2.2%. Clinical history: acute chest syndrome: 40%; transfusions: 66.7%; hospitalizations: 82.2%. SDQ findings: 88.9% clinical impact (emotional subscale: 68.9%); total score: impact in 48.9%. It was not possible to establish a relation between the severity of the disease and the results of the SDQ. Regarding socioeconomic class: among individuals of classes B2 and C1, 21.4% had impact at the total score; in classes C2 and D, this percentage was 61.3%. Regarding the schooling of the head of the family, with Elementary School at least, 39.3% of the children had impacts; for fewer education, this percentage was 64.7%. Conclusions: Behavioral impacts are highly prevalent in children with SCD. Individuals in socioeconomic classes C2 and D suffered more behavioral impacts than individuals in classes B2 and C1.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos de crianças com doença falciforme (DF) e suas características comportamentais. Métodos: Aplicação de entrevista sobre aspectos socioeconômicos e outras condições de saúde e do questionário de capacidades e dificuldades (SDQ) em pais de pacientes de quatro a dez anos com DF, em um ambulatório de referência. Dados clínicos foram obtidos dos prontuários médicos. Critérios de exclusão: uso de hidroxiureia, diagnóstico prévio de acidente vascular cerebral, encefalopatia crônica e/ou deficiência intelectual. Resultados: Analisados 45 pacientes (19 meninas e 26 meninos). Mediana de idade=7 anos. Diagnóstico da DF=26 hemoglobinopatia SC; 19 hemoglobinopatia SS. Classe econômica (SES): D=24,4%; C2=44,4%; C1=28,8%; B2=2,2%. Antecedentes clínicos: síndrome torácica aguda=40%; transfusões=66,7%; internações=82,2%. Achados SDQ=88,9% alteração clínica (subescala emocional=68,9%); pontuação total=alterada em 48,9%. Não foi possível estabelecer relação entre gravidade da doença e os resultados do SDQ. Com relação à SES, entre indivíduos das classes B2 e C1, 21,4% tiveram alteração na pontuação total; nas classes C2 e D, esse percentual foi de 61,3%. Quanto à escolaridade do chefe da família, com no mínimo ensino fundamental completo, 39,3% das crianças tiveram alteração; para menor escolaridade, esse percentual foi 64,7%. Conclusões: Alterações comportamentais são altamente prevalentes em crianças com DF. Indivíduos das classes C2 e D tiveram mais alterações comportamentais em relação aos indivíduos das classes B2 e C1.

Implicações sociais na vida da pessoa com anemia falciforme / Social implications in the lives of people with sickle cell anemia / Implicaciones sociales en la vida de las personas con anemia falsa

Objetivo: Analisar as implicações sociais advindas da anemia falciforme na vida da pessoa com a doença. Método: Estudo descritivo, exploratório, quantitativo, realizado com 80 pessoas com anemia falciforme. Os dados foram coletados no período de janeiro a julho de 2016 no Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Piauí, por meio de um questionário para a obtenção de dados socioeconômicos, demográficos e clínicos. Os dados foram tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel 2010 e dispostos em forma de tabelas e gráficos. Resultados: As crises dolorosas foram as complicações mais frequentes (70%), (77,5%) relataram não ter recebido orientação sobre a doença e (62,5%) não residiam na cidade onde realizava o tratamento. Conclusão: A anemia falciforme acarreta implicações negativas na vida da pessoa, como por exemplo, a reprovação/evasão escolar. Desse modo, os profissionais de saúde devem elaborar estratégias de enfrentamento da doença, assim, aumentando a qualidade de vida desse público

Objective: To analyze the social implications of sickle cell anemia in the life of the person with the disease. Method: Descriptive, exploratory, quantitative study conducted with 80 people with sickle cell anemia. Data were collected from January to July 2016 at the Center of Hematology and Hemotherapy of Piauí, through a questionnaire to obtain socioeconomic, demographic and clinical data. The data were tabulated in the Microsoft Excel 2010 program and arranged in tables and graphs. Results: Pain crises were the most frequent complications (70%), (77.5%) reported not having received orientation about the disease and (62.5%) did not live in the city where the treatment was performed. Conclusion: Sickle cell anemia has negative implications for a person's life, such as failure or dropout. Thus, health professionals should develop strategies for coping with the disease, thus increasing the quality of life of this public

Objetivo: Analizar las implicaciones sociales de la anemia falciforme en la vida de la persona con la enfermedad. Método: Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, cuantitativo realizado con 80 personas con anemia falciforme. Los datos se recopilaron de enero a julio de 2016 en el Centro de Hematología y Hemoterapia de Piauí, a través de un cuestionario para obtener datos socioeconómicos, demográficos y clínicos. Los datos se tabularon en el programa Microsoft Excel 2010 y se organizaron en tablas y gráficos. Resultados: Las crisis de dolor fueron las complicaciones más frecuentes (70%), (77.5%) informaron no haber recibido orientación sobre la enfermedad y (62.5%) no vivían en la ciudad donde se realizó el tratamiento. Conclusión: La anemia falciforme tiene implicaciones negativas para la vida de una persona, como el fracaso o el abandono. Por lo tanto, los profesionales de la salud deben desarrollar estrategias para hacer frente a la enfermedad, aumentando así la calidad de vida de este público

Actitud hacia la anemia drepanocítica en Masca y Pueblo Nuevo, Omoa Cortés, Honduras / Attitude towards sickle cell disease in Masca and Pueblo Nuevo, Omoa Cortés, Honduras

Las actitudes reflejan los antecedentes y las experiencias de una persona, se adoptan en razón de un conjunto de fuerzas como la personalidad, valores y creencias de cada uno. La enfermedad de células falciformes es una patología genética, crónica que constituye la forma más frecuente y mejor conocida de hemoglobinopatía estructural. El objetivo, fue determinar las actitudes (en sus componentes cognitivo y afectivo) que presentan los pobladores de Masca y Pueblo Nuevo, en Omoa, Cortés hacia la anemia drepanocítica. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, transeccional y alcance descriptivo. Población: 274 personas alfabetos, de 15 años o más, muestreo probabilístico: 148 personas, voluntarias anuentes a participar en la investigación. Se elaboró un instrumento tipo escala de Likert constituido por 20 ítems que midieron las actitudes hacia la anemia drepanocítica. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el programa Microsoft Excel. Los resultados ante el componente cognitivo indicaron que 65 personas, (44 %) consideraron tener conocimientos sobre la temática y reconocieron que es necesario se informe sobre la enfermedad. 19 personas (13 %) estaban inseguras de emitir una respuesta; 78 (53 %) manifestaron que, a pesar de tener algún tipo de conocimientos en torno a la enfermedad, requieren más información. En cuanto al componente afectivo, 58 (39 %) manifestaron experimentar temor ante la idea de enfrentarse a este tipo de enfermedad; 30 (20 %) se mostraron inseguras o indiferentes de emitir una respuesta y 61 (41 %) manifestaron que no sabrían que hacer o cómo actuar ante la idea de que ellos o alguien de su familia padezcan de la enfermedad. Se concluyó que existe la necesidad de informar a la población, sobre anemia drepanocítica para saber cómo enfrentarla, tanto a nivel individual como colectivamente.

Attitudes reflect the antecedents and experiences of a person, they are adopted due to a set of forces such as the personality, values and beliefs of each one. Sickle cell disease is a chronic, genetic pathology that is the most common and best known form of structural hemoglobinopathy. The objective was to determine the attitudes (in its cognitive and affective components) that the inhabitants of Masca and Pueblo Nuevo, in Omoa, Cortés have towards sickle cell anemia. A quantitative, non- experimental, transectional study with a descriptive scope was carried out. Population: 274 literate people, aged 15 or over, probability sampling: 148 people, volunteers willing to participate in the research. A Likert scale instrument was developed consisting of 20 items that measured attitudes towards sickle cell anemia. Statistical analysis was carried out with the Microsoft Excel program. The results regarding the cognitive component indicated that 65 people (44%) considered they had knowledge about the subject and recognized that it is necessary to inform themselves about the disease. 19 people (13%) were unsure about giving an answer; 78 (53%) stated that, despite having some kind of knowledge about the disease, they require more information. Regarding the affective component, 58 (39%) expressed fear at the idea of facing this type of illness; 30 (20%) were unsure or indifferent to issue a response and 61 (41%) stated that they would not know what to do or how to act when faced with the idea that they or someone in their family had the disease. It was concluded that there is a need to inform the population about sickle cell anemia in order to know how to deal with it, both individually and collectively.

O enfrentamento do tratamento da doença falciforme: desafios e perspectivas vivenciadas pela família / Coping with the treatment of sickle cell disease: challenges and perspectives experienced by the family

Resumo A doença falciforme é um distúrbio hemolítico grave causado por mutação genética, o que ocasiona a produção da hemoglobina S mutante. Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender a forma de enfrentamento dos familiares frente ao tratamento da doença falciforme. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo, com uma abordagem qualitativa. O estudo utilizou como base entrevistas realizadas com mães de crianças e adolescentes com doença falciforme assistidas pelo Centro de Referência de uma cidade do estado da Bahia, Brasil, no ano de 2017. Com base nas informações coletadas foi possível perceber que pessoas com anemia falciforme, durante boa parte da vida, requerem tratamentos específicos que poderão ser executados por elas mesmas ou com ajuda e encorajamento de outras pessoas, em geral familiares. É muito importante refletir sobre a efetividade do tratamento não só do ponto de vista técnico como também sob a ótica do paciente, de sua família e da sociedade.

Resumen La enfermedad de falciforme es un trastorno hemolítico grave causado por la mutación genética, lo que ocasiona la producción de la hemoglobina S mutante. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender la forma de enfrentamiento de los familiares frente al tratamiento de la enfermedad falciforme. Se trata de una investigación de campo, con un enfoque cualitativo. El estudio utilizó como base entrevistas realizadas con madres de niños y adolescentes con enfermedad falciforme asistidas por el Centro de Referencia de una ciudad del estado de Bahía, Brasil, en el año 2017. Con base en las informaciones recogidas fue posible percibir que personas con anemia falciforme durante buena parte de la vida, requieren tratamientos específicos que pueden ser ejecutados por ellas mismas o con ayuda y atención de otras personas, en general familiares. Es muy importante reflexionar sobre la efectividad del tratamiento no sólo desde el punto de vista técnico, sino también, bajo la óptica del paciente, de su familia y de la sociedad.

Abstract Sickle cell disease is a serious hemolytic disorder caused by genetic mutation, which causes production of the mutant hemoglobin S. The objective of this paper was to understand how family members cope with the treatment of sickle cell disease. This is a field research with a qualitative approach. The study used as a basis interviews conducted with mothers of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease assisted by the Reference Center of a city in the state of Bahia, Brazil, in the year 2017. Based on the information collected it was possible to perceive that people with sickle cell anemia during good require specific treatments that may be performed by themselves or with the help and encouragement of others, usually family members. It is very important to reflect on the effectiveness of treatment not only from the technical point of view but also from the point of view of the patient, his family and society

Vulnerable Child Syndrome and Newborn Screening Carrier Results for Cystic Fibrosis or Sickle Cell.

OBJECTIVES: To measure parental perceptions of child vulnerability, as a precursor to developing a population-scale mechanism to mitigate harm after newborn screening. STUDY DESIGN: Participants were parents of infants aged 2-5 months. Parental perceptions of child vulnerability were assessed with an adapted version of the Vulnerable Baby Scale. The scale was included in the script for a larger study of telephone follow-up for 2 newborn blood screening samples (carrier status for cystic fibrosis or sickle cell hemoglobinopathy). A comparison sample was added using a paper survey with well-baby visits to an urban/suburban clinic. RESULTS: Sample sizes consisted of 288 parents in the cystic fibrosis group, 426 in the sickle cell hemoglobinopathy group, and 79 in the clinic comparison group. Parental perceptions of child vulnerability were higher in the sickle cell group than cystic fibrosis group (P < .0001), and both were higher than the clinic comparison group (P < .0001). Parental perceptions of child vulnerability were inversely correlated with parental age (P < .002) and lower health literacy (P < .015, sickle cell hemoglobinopathy group only). CONCLUSIONS: Increased parental perceptions of child vulnerability seem to be a bona fide complication of incidental newborn blood screening findings, and healthcare professionals should be alert to the possibility. From a public health perspective, we recommend routine follow-up after incidental findings to mitigate psychosocial harm.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com Doença Falciforme / Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with Sickle Cell Disease

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença falciforme (DF) compreende um grupo de anemias hemolíticas hereditárias cuja principal característica é a presença do gene da hemoglobina S (Hb S) que pode combinar-se com outras anormalidades sanguíneas hereditárias. O quadro clínico varia desde quase assintomático até formas graves. A Hidroxiuréia (HU) é a terapia de maior sucesso. É uma doença crônica, cuja prevalência e morbidade são altas no Brasil, dessa forma a qualidade de vida (QV) surge como um importante desafio para os pacientes, familiares e profissionais de saúde. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a QV de pacientes portadores de DF, suas características sociodemográficas e clínicas. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados através do questionário de QV abreviado (WHOQOL-Bref), questionário sociodemográfico e prontuário clínico. RESULTADOS: foram entrevistados 39 pacientes, entre 18 e 54 anos, tratados na Fundação Hemominas em Divinópolis - MG. A maioria dos pacientes eram homens (56%), homozigotos para a Hb S (80%), solteiros (67%), segundo grau completo (31%) e não usuários de HU (61%). Dentre os pacientes avaliados 53,8% considerou ter boa QV (escore médio 74,2 ±20,3). O escore relacionado à QV geral foi de 71,5. Os domínios físico e meio ambiente obtiveram os menores escores médio (61,5 e 59,0, respectivamente). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os que utilizavam ou não HU. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com DF apresentaram boa QV, sendo mais comprometida pelos aspectos relacionados ao domínio meio ambiente, (como recursos financeiros) e físico (como dor e desconforto) que se correlacionam com as características clínicas e sociais relacionadas a DF.

Introduction: sickle cell disease (SCD) comprises a group of hereditary hemolytic anemias whose main characteristic is the presence of the hemoglobin S (Hb S) gene that can be combined with other hereditary blood abnormalities. The clinical picture ranges from almost asymptomatic to severe forms. Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most successful therapy. It is a chronic disease whose prevalence and morbidity are high in Brazil, thus quality of life (QoL) emerges as an important challenge for patients, family members and health professionals. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the QoL of patients with SCD, their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Data were collected through the abbreviated QoL questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref), sociodemographic questionnaire and clinical chart. Results: It has interviewed at the Hemominas Foundation in Divinópolis - MG, 39 patients aged 18-54. Most of the patients were male (56%), homozygous for Hb S (80%), unmarried (67%), completed high school (31%) and non HU users (61%). Among the patients evaluated, 53.8% considered having a good QoL (mean score 74.2 ± 20.3). The overall QoL score was 71.5. The physical and environmental domains had the lowest mean scores (61.5 and 59.0, respectively). No significant differences were found among those using or not using HU. Conclusions: Patients with SCD presented good QoL, being more affected by aspects related to the environmental domain (such as financial resources) and physical (such as pain and discomfort) those correlate with clinical and social characteristics related to SCD.

"Waiting for a miracle": Spirituality/Religiosity in coping with sickle cell disease / "Esperando un milagro": Espiritualidad/Religiosidad en el afrontamiento de la enfermedad de célula falciforme / "À espera de um milagre": espiritualidade/religiosidade no enfrentamento da doença falciforme

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand spirituality/religiosity as experienced by people with sickle cell disease, and its influence on coping with the disease. Method: A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study conducted in the State of Bahia. Twenty-nine respondents participated in semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze the empirical material. Results: Individuals with sickle cell disease experience spirituality/religiosity motivated by their hope for a miracle, and fear of death; among their rites are: reading religious materials, individual and group prayer, and attendance at worship services. The effects on their health include: comfort by means of coping by comparing two evils, anxiety relief, social support, and lifestyle changes; however, spirituality/religiosity may be impaired. Final considerations: This study demonstrates the need to qualify health professionals to address spiritual issues of these individuals during illness, with the aims of diagnosing suffering and anguish, and providing care, comfort and strengthening of the spiritual bonds of these individuals.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Entender la espiritualidad / religiosidad como la experimentan las personas con enfermedad de células falciformes y su influencia en el afrontamiento de la enfermedad. Método: Un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio realizado en el estado de Bahía. Veintinueve encuestados participaron en entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se utilizó análisis de contenido para analizar el material empírico. Resultados: Las personas con enfermedad de células falciformes experimentan espiritualidad / religiosidad motivadas por su esperanza de un milagro y el miedo a la muerte; entre sus ritos se encuentran: lectura de materiales religiosos, oración individual y grupal, y asistencia a los servicios de adoración. Los efectos en su salud incluyen: comodidad mediante el manejo del afrontamiento, alivio de la ansiedad, apoyo social y cambios en el estilo de vida; sin embargo, la espiritualidad / religiosidad puede verse afectada. Consideraciones finales: Este estudio demuestra la necesidad de preparar a los profesionales de la salud para abordar los problemas espirituales de estos individuos durante la enfermedad, con el objetivo de diagnosticar el sufrimiento y la angustia, y de brindar atención, comodidad y fortalecimiento de los vínculos espirituales de estos individuos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a Espiritualidade/Religiosidade vivenciadas por pessoas com doença falciforme e sua influência sobre o enfrentamento da doença. Método: Estudo qualitativo, descritivo, exploratório, realizado no Estado da Bahia. Participaram 29 pessoas que responderam a entrevistas semiestruturadas. O material empírico foi submetido a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Pessoas com doença falciforme vivenciam a Espiritualidade/Religiosidade motivadas pela esperança de um milagre e por medo da morte; seus ritos são as leituras de textos religiosos, orações individuais e em grupo, e frequência a cultos; os efeitos sobre sua saúde são: conforto através do coping de comparação, alívio da ansiedade, apoio social, mudança no estilo de vida, porém a Espiritualidade/Religiosidade podem manifestar-se prejudicadas. Considerações finais: Este estudo ressalta a necessidade da qualificação dos profissionais de saúde para a abordagem das questões espirituais dessas pessoas adoecidas, com a preocupação de diagnosticar possíveis sofrimentos, angústias e assim prestar auxílio, conforto e fortalecer os vínculos espirituais desses indivíduos.

"Waiting for a miracle": Spirituality/Religiosity in coping with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To understand spirituality/religiosity as experienced by people with sickle cell disease, and its influence on coping with the disease. METHOD: A qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study conducted in the State of Bahia. Twenty-nine respondents participated in semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze the empirical material. RESULTS: Individuals with sickle cell disease experience spirituality/religiosity motivated by their hope for a miracle, and fear of death; among their rites are: reading religious materials, individual and group prayer, and attendance at worship services. The effects on their health include: comfort by means of coping by comparing two evils, anxiety relief, social support, and lifestyle changes; however, spirituality/religiosity may be impaired. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: This study demonstrates the need to qualify health professionals to address spiritual issues of these individuals during illness, with the aims of diagnosing suffering and anguish, and providing care, comfort and strengthening of the spiritual bonds of these individuals.

Quality of life in pre-adolescent children with sickle cell disease in Brazil.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects more than 13 million people and can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of those persons. We performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the QoL in SCD children 8-12 years old enrolled from November 2014 to March 2016 in a large multicenter cohort study in Brazil. The PedsQL™ SCD Module was used to evaluate QoL in 412 children from six Brazilian health centers. The mean age of participants was 10.5 years and 193(46.7%) were women. The mean global score was 60.7, with a Cronbach´s alpha of 0.92. There were significant differences in socioeconomic demographics and treatments among participants at the six centers, but age, income, SCD genotype, and use of hydroxyurea did not significantly affect the QoL scores. After adjustment for all of these variables in a linear regression model, a significant difference was observed by site in global QoL score and the dimensions 'worry II'(ß0 = 20.7, p < .00), 'treatment´(ß0 = 66.8, p < .00) and communication II'(ß0 = 45.8, p < .00). These dimensions are affected by the capacity of health professionals to provide clinical and psychological support to patients. Our results suggest that QoL of this patient population varied according the health center even adjusted by sociodemographics characteristics. Additional training of health professionals in psychological and clinical support could directly reduce patient apprehension about the disease its clinical complications.

Gender influences on the health of adolescents with sickle cell disease.

The current study examines gender effects on disease knowledge and quality of life in adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Jamaica. We report the baseline results on 76 girls and 74 boys with mean age (16.9 ± 1.8 vs. 16.2 ±2.0 years), recruited in a larger intervention study. Girls had higher knowledge scores (15.3 ± 4.2 vs. 13.3 ± 4.2 p=.004), poorer overall QOL scores (70.1 ± 19.6 vs. 77.2 ± 17.8 p=0.02) but similar severity scores to boys. Girls also had significantly lower scores on many QOL domain scores: Pain occurrences over the course the past month (Pain and Hurt:77.49 ± 23.3 vs. 85.37 ± 17.13); concerns about seeking health services for pain (Worry1:63.73 ± 26.21 vs. 75.33 ± 24.62); confidence in self-management & treatment effects (Treatment: 72.25 ± 23.6 vs. 80.73 ± 18.90) and SCD disclosure & empathy from others (Communication II: 47.44 ± 1.02 vs. 61.71 ± 29.41). Knowledge was positively predicted by age, higher education, greater household possessions and was higher in girls; whereas QOL was lower in girls and those with greater disease severity and higher with higher education. In conclusion, there is a significant gender differential in disease knowledge and QOL among adolescents with SCD. Interventions will need to address the lower QOL in girls and lower disease knowledge among boys.

Importance of health guidance for family members of children with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To know the main health guidance needs of family members of children with sickle cell disease. METHOD: Qualitative research, developed in a pediatric reference hospital of Ceará State, between April and May 2017, through the participation of 12 family members of children with sickle cell disease. The data were collected through semi-structured interviewees and analyzed according to the Bardin's Thematic Categorical Analysis. RESULTS: The relatives had divergent opinions about what this pathology would be and expressed the expectation of being broadly guided, from general information (signs and symptoms) to more complex ones about the disease, including major complications and ways of preventing them. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The health fragility due to the punctual and/or meager guidance provided to family members reflects the importance of increasing knowledge and clarifying doubts of these relatives about the disease, which makes it urgent to develop health education strategies by multiprofessional teams.

Importance of health guidance for family members of children with sickle cell disease / Importancia de las orientaciones en salud para familiares de niños con enfermedad falciforme / Importância das orientações em saúde para familiares de crianças com doença falciforme

ABSTRACT Objective: To know the main health guidance needs of family members of children with sickle cell disease. Method: Qualitative research, developed in a pediatric reference hospital of Ceará State, between April and May 2017, through the participation of 12 family members of children with sickle cell disease. The data were collected through semi-structured interviewees and analyzed according to the Bardin's Thematic Categorical Analysis. Results: The relatives had divergent opinions about what this pathology would be and expressed the expectation of being broadly guided, from general information (signs and symptoms) to more complex ones about the disease, including major complications and ways of preventing them. Final considerations: The health fragility due to the punctual and/or meager guidance provided to family members reflects the importance of increasing knowledge and clarifying doubts of these relatives about the disease, which makes it urgent to develop health education strategies by multiprofessional teams.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer las principales necesidades de orientación en salud de familiares de niños con enfermedad falciforme. Método: Investigación cualitativa, desarrollada en un hospital de referencia pediátrica en Ceará, entre abril y mayo de 2017, mediante la participación de 12 familiares de niños con enfermedad falciforme. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevistadas semiestructuradas y analizadas según el análisis categorial temático de Bardin. Resultados: Los familiares tenían opiniones divergentes acerca de lo que sería esa patología y expresaron su expectativa de ser ampliamente orientados, desde informaciones generales (signos y síntomas) hasta otras más complejas sobre la enfermedad, incluyendo principales complicaciones y formas de prevenirlas. Consideraciónes finales: La fragilidad en salud derivada de la puntual y/o insuficiente orientación recibida por los familiares refleja la importancia de ampliar el conocimiento y sanar las dudas de esos familiares sobre la enfermedad, lo que hace urgente el desarrollo de estrategias de educación en salud por equipos multiprofesionales.

RESUMO Objetivo: Conhecer as principais necessidades de orientação em saúde de familiares de crianças com doença falciforme. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida em um hospital de referência pediátrica no Ceará, entre abril e maio de 2017, mediante a participação de 12 familiares de crianças com doença falciforme. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistadas semiestruturadas e analisados segundo a Análise Categorial Temática de Bardin. Resultados: Os familiares possuíam opiniões divergentes acerca do que seria essa patologia e expressaram expectativa de serem amplamente orientados, desde informações gerais (sinais e sintomas) até outras mais complexas sobre a doença, incluindo principais complicações e formas de preveni-las. Considerações finais: A fragilidade em saúde decorrente da pontual e/ou insuficiente orientação recebida pelos familiares reflete a importância de ampliar o conhecimento e sanar as dúvidas desses familiares sobre a doença, o que torna premente o desenvolvimento de estratégias de educação em saúde por equipes multiprofissionais.

Improving disease knowledge in 6- to 10-year-olds with sickle cell disease: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing knowledge and understanding of disease is known to improve outcomes in persons living with a chronic illness. In this paper, we aim to compare the disease knowledge of children with sickle cell disease (SCD), age 6-10 years, who received an intervention (an educational colouring book on SCD) geared towards improving disease knowledge, to those who did not received the colouring book. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted where disease knowledge was determined in 56 children who had received the colouring book and compared to 60 children who did not receive this intervention. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score was significantly higher in the intervention group (mean difference = 2.65; 95% CI [1.43, 3.86]), as well as in older children and in those in higher grades but there was no difference between sexes. In a multiple regression model (adjusted R2 : 0.39; p value < .001), knowledge score was significantly higher in those who received the intervention (ß: 2.62; 95% CI [1.48, 3.76]) while adjusting for age, gender, persons living at home, and the father's employment status. CONCLUSION: The study highlights that a simple, inexpensive (cost: US$1/book) child-friendly intervention can significantly improve knowledge about SCD even in young children. It also underlines various social factors that are associated with children's understanding of their disease.

Quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease: an integrative review of the literature / Cualidad de vida en adultos con enfermedad falciforme: revisión integradora de la literatura / Qualidade de vida em adultos com doença falciforme: revisão integrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the available evidence in the literature on health-related quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease. Method: integrative review of MEDLINE, CUMED, LILACS and SciELO databases, from articles developed in this area, published between 2005 and 2015, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Results: 22 articles were included, six scales were used to evaluate health-related quality of life scores: three generic and three specific. No specific scale for adults with sickle cell disease has been adapted to Brazilian Portuguese so far. Patients affected by frequent painful crises, with low adherence to treatment, had a compromised quality of life. Conclusion: Selected studies have shown that patients with sickle cell disease have worse scores than the general population. These indicators should be instrumental to the nurse in the proposal of interventions and strategies of assistance and socio-educational, with a view to improving the quality of life of this clientele.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las evidencias disponibles en la literatura sobre cualidad de vida relacionada a la salud en adultos con enfermedad falciforme. Método: revisión integradora en las bases de datos MEDLINE,CUMED,LILACS y SciELO, de artículos provenientes de estudios desarrollados en esta temática, publicados entre 2005 y 2015, en inglés, portugués o español. Resultados: fueron incluidos 22 artículos, siendo utilizadas seis escalas para evaluar las puntuaciones de cualidad de vida relacionada a la salud: tres genéricas y tres específicas. Ninguna escala específica para adultos con enfermedad falciforme fue adaptada para el portugués brasileño hasta el momento. Pacientes acometidos por crisis dolorosas frecuentes, con baja adhesión al tratamiento, presentaron comprometimiento de la cualidad de vida. Conclusión: Los estudios seleccionados evidenciaron que los pacientes con enfermedad falciforme tienen peores puntuaciones que la población en general. Esos indicadores deberían instrumentalizar el enfermero en la proposición de intervenciones y estrategias asistenciales y socioeducativas, con vistas a mejorar la cualidad de vida de esta clientela.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em adultos com doença falciforme. Método: revisão integrativa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CUMED, LILACS e SciELO, de artigos provenientes de estudos desenvolvidos nesta temática, publicados entre 2005 a 2015, em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: foram incluídos 22 artigos, sendo utilizadas seis escalas para avaliar os escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: três genéricas e três específicas. Nenhuma escala específica para adultos com doença falciforme foi adaptada para o português brasileiro até o momento. Pacientes acometidos por crises dolorosas frequentes, com baixa adesão ao tratamento, apresentaram comprometimento da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Os estudos selecionados evidenciaram que os pacientes com doença falciforme têm piores escores do que a população em geral. Esses indicadores deveriam instrumentalizar o enfermeiro na proposição de intervenções e estratégias assistenciais e socioeducativas, com vistas a melhorar a qualidade de vida desta clientela.

Quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease: an integrative review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the available evidence in the literature on health-related quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease. METHOD: integrative review of MEDLINE, CUMED, LILACS and SciELO databases, from articles developed in this area, published between 2005 and 2015, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. RESULTS: 22 articles were included, six scales were used to evaluate health-related quality of life scores: three generic and three specific. No specific scale for adults with sickle cell disease has been adapted to Brazilian Portuguese so far. Patients affected by frequent painful crises, with low adherence to treatment, had a compromised quality of life. CONCLUSION: Selected studies have shown that patients with sickle cell disease have worse scores than the general population. These indicators should be instrumental to the nurse in the proposal of interventions and strategies of assistance and socio-educational, with a view to improving the quality of life of this clientele.

Stigma and illness uncertainty: adding to the burden of sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience multiple medical and physical complications; the disease also has numerous effects on their social and emotional well-being. We hypothesized that adults with SCD in Jamaica experience moderate levels of stigma and illness uncertainty and that these experiences may be associated with socio-demographic factors, such as gender, educational status and economic status. METHODS: We surveyed 101 adults with SCD (54.5% female; mean age 31.6 ± 10.4 years; 72.2% homozygous SCD) using the Stigma in Sickle Cell Disease Scale (Adult), Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (Adult) and a Socio-Demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean stigma score was 33.6 ± 21.6 (range: 2-91) with no significant difference between males and females (32.3 ± 21.3 vs. 34.7 ± 21.9; p-value = 0.58). Illness uncertainty was greater in females than in males, though not statistically significant, (88.7 ± 13.5 vs. 82.6 ± 19.2; p-value: 0.07). Stigma and uncertainty had a significant positive correlation (r: 0.31; p-value: 0.01). In an age and sex controlled model, stigma scores were lower with higher numbers of household items (coef: -2.26; p-value: 0.001) and higher in those living in greater crowding (coef: 7.89; p-value: 0.002). Illness uncertainty was higher in females (coef: 6.94; p-value: 0.02) and lower with tertiary as compared with primary education (coef: -16.68; p-value: 0.03). CONCLUSION: The study highlights socioeconomic factors to be significant to the stigma and illness uncertainty experiences in SCD. Efforts by healthcare workers to reduce patient illness uncertainty may have additional impact, reducing their stigma.