HOW PREPARED ARE WE FOR THE NEXT PANDEMIC? TAKING A CUE FROM THE
CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE DURING THE LAST
COVID 19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic affected healthcare delivery globally.
The impact was more for individuals with chronic diseases requiring
regular visits to the hospital. This study aimed to assess the impact of
the pandemic on care for patients with Sickle cell disease (SCD) in
Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 435 SCD
patients from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data was collected
through pre-tested and validated, semi-structured questionnaires using
Google forms online and face-to-face interviews at the Clinic. Results:
Teaching hospitals were the most utilised health facility by the
respondents 269 (61.8%). Bone pain was the most frequent crisis 318
(70.7%) with a significant increase in frequency during the pandemic
when compared with the preceding year, p=0.004. Many of the
respondents 227(52.2%) required hospitalization during the pandemic.
Major concerns expressed for accessing care include fear of exposure to
Covid-19-infected patients or health workers who have been exposed to
Covid and conversion of regular health facilities to Covid-19 treatment
centres. During the Pandemic, 102 (23.4%) respondents had easy access
to their doctors and telemedicine was available to 87(20%) but 56
(12.9%) and 97 (22.3%, ) had difficulties in getting blood transfusion
and accessing laboratory tests respectively. Up to 139(32.9%) did not
have difficulties getting pain relief, 169 (38.9%) had their routine
medications while 166 (38.2%) had their income significantly affected
during the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings revealed challenges in
accessing routine medical care, concerns about exposure to COVID-19, and
disruptions in healthcare services. This article discusses the
implications of the survey results and proposes strategies to strengthen
sickle cell care in preparation for future pandemics.