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HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AGED 8-17 YEARS AT KAMUZU CENTRAL HOSPITAL, MALAWI
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  • Stella Wachepa,
  • Ruth Bvalani,
  • Atupele Mpasa,
  • Shamim Namugerwa,
  • Teddy Namubiru,
  • Gloria Kaudha,
  • Deogratias Munube,
  • Joseph Rujumba,
  • Nmazuo Ozuah,
  • Sarah Kiguli
Stella Wachepa
Makerere University College of Health Sciences

Corresponding Author:stellawachepa@gmail.com

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Ruth Bvalani
Kamuzu Central Hospital
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Atupele Mpasa
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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Shamim Namugerwa
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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Teddy Namubiru
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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Gloria Kaudha
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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Deogratias Munube
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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Joseph Rujumba
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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Nmazuo Ozuah
Texas Children's Hospital
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Sarah Kiguli
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
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Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by both acute and chronic complications that affect the daily lives of patients and lower their quality of life. Objective: To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the associated factors in children aged 8 to 17 with SCD attending the paediatric haematology clinic at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi. Methods: A mixed methods cross sectional study was conducted at KCH. Patient data was collected with the aid of a standardized case report form. HRQoL was assessed using PedsQL™ Sickle Cell Disease Module by child’s report. Associations between HRQoL scores and independent variables were evaluated by a linear regression model. In-depth interviews were then carried out and the qualitative data was analyzed using content thematic analysis. Results: A hundred and sixty-three children with SCD were enrolled, 52.1% were females. Their median age was 11.2±2.7 years. The mean global HRQoL score of the children was 62±17.3. The highest scores were in the treatment domain (72.5±15.1) while the lowest scores were in the emotions domain (55.2±28.7). The mean pain score was 58.8±16.3. The factors associated with low HRQoL scores were pain (β-coefficient -6.97 CI (-3.07,-15.58); p value 0.034) and low haemoglobin levels (β-coefficient 2.29 CI (0.65-3.91); p value 0.006 ). Conclusion: The HRQoL of this population is low. Pain and low hemoglobin were significantly associated with low HRQoL scores. A biopsychosocial model of heath care delivery and health campaigns are recommended to improve the HRQoL of the children.
07 Feb 2022Submission Checks Completed
07 Feb 2022Assigned to Editor
07 Feb 2022Submitted to Pediatric Blood & Cancer
14 Feb 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Mar 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Mar 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
06 Jun 20221st Revision Received
06 Jun 2022Submission Checks Completed
06 Jun 2022Assigned to Editor
06 Jun 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Jun 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
20 Jul 2022Published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer. 10.1002/pbc.29876