Introduction: Sickle cell disease has physical and emotional repercussions on the
child and his family. The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial
experiences of mothers of children with sickle cell disease in order to improve
the overall care of the child. Methods: This was a descriptive
cross-sectional study carried out in the pediatrics department of Bouaké
University Teaching Hospital from June to September 2023. It focused on mothers
of major sickle-cell-affected children followed up in the pediatrics department
of the Bouaké University Teaching Hospital. The variables studied were sociodemographic, psychological, social and
economic. Results: Of the 40 mothers surveyed, 15% were not in
school and 32.5% were unemployed. For them, sickle cell disease was of natural
(genetic) origin in 90% and supernatural in 10%. They stated that the child had
an average age of 36 months (extremes 7 and 108 months) when the disease was
discovered. And 52% of them were satisfied with the way the disease was clearly
and completely announced. Following the announcement, the questioned mothers
said they had felt shock (35%), sadness (31.7%), guilt (23.3%) and
discouragement (10%). Anxiety and depression were experienced by 77.5% and
22.5% respectively. In 60% of cases, they stated that the disease was
incurable, and the outcome was fatal in 2.5% of cases. The child’s illness was
a source of problems in the home in 25% of cases, represented by arguments in
92% and divorce in 8%. In 97.5% of cases, the mother told her family and
friends about the child’s illness. In 90% of cases, the mother and child
benefited from psychological support from family and friends. Conclusion:
Sickle cell disease is a serious illness with a psychological and social impact
on mothers. We recommend psychological support for mothers from the moment of
diagnosis and throughout follow-up.
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