Children living with Sickle Cell Disease (CLSCD): Socio-demographic profile of attendees in Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe 2000-2014

Abstract

Background: The sickle cell trait is highest in the North East region of the country with a prevalence of 32.6% and 27.9% in Borno and Yobe states respectively. Socio-demographic circumstances of CLSCD have not been reported in the sub-region.
Objective: To determine the socio-demographic characteristics of children living with sickle cell disease attending the Sickle cell Clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Materials and Methods: Case notes of children diagnosed with sickle cell disease attending a sickle cell clinic were retrieved and reviewed. Variables such as age, sex, tribe, religion, family history, Education level, occupation of the parent, and clinical events. Results: 411 children with sickle cell anaemia were reviewed. 234(56.9%) were males and 43.1% (177) were female. The Hb pattern was SS 86.2% (345), SF 12% (48) and SC 1.2% (5). Diagnosis of SCD was made between 2001 - 2005 in 64 (15.7%), 2006 - 2010 124 (30.4%) and 2011 - 2014 201(49.3%). 1.5% (6), 9.4% (37), 40.5% (159), 29% (114), 15.2% (60) and 4.3% (17) were between the ages < 6months, 7months1year, 15years, 610 years, 11-15 years and 16-18 years respectively. 88% (359) practiced Islam and 12% (49) Christianity. Of the ethnic groups, Fulani constituted 35.5% (146/411), Hausa 26.5% (109/411), Tera 6.3% (26/411), Tangale 4.4% (18/411), Bolawa 3.7% (15/411), Yoruba 1.7% (7/411) and Igbo 1.7% (7/411). Upper socioeconomic class (Class I and II) were 21.9% (90) and 10.2% (42); Middle socioeconomic class (Class III) were 89(21.7) and low socioeconomic Class (Class IV and V) were 9.7% (40) and 36.5% (150). 58.3% (240/411) and 39.1% (161/411) were from monogamous and polygamous families respectively. Consanguinity was found in 23.6% (97). 97.8% (402/411) of fathers and 96.8% (398/411) mothers had AS genotype. 56.9% (37/65) families reported 1 sibling death each from sickle cell anaemia; 20% (13), 3 deaths each; 18.4% (12), 2 deaths each and 1.5% (1), 5 deaths. Conclusion: The majority of children are from middle and lower level strata. Premarital screening should be strengthened.