Challenges and Counselling Needs of Sickle Cell Patients Attending University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges and counselling needs of sickle cell patients attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Kwara State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select 120 literate regular and non-regular patients of the hospital. A researcher developed instrument titled “Challenges and Counselling Needs of Sickle Cell Patients Questionnaire” (CCNSPQ) was used to elicit information from these participants. Five research questions raised in the study were answered using frequency counts, means and ranking and Analysis of Variance was used to test the hypotheses formulated at the .05 level of confidence. The findings showed that excessive bone, abdominal and chest pains are the major challenges confronting the respondents while occasional embarrassment due to unexpected sickness accompanying sickle cell disorder and stigma are the most serious counselling needs. There was no significant difference in the challenges of sickle cell patients based on age but the respondents had significantly different counselling needs. Therefore, it is recommended that guidance and public health education be put in place to reduce the stigmatisation of sickle cell patients. In addition, wellequipped clinics should be provided to facilitate early treatment. Genetic Counselling should also be provided both in the school and the community to prevent future occurrence of sickle cell disorder.