ABSTRACT

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a chronic hematologic disorder that significantly impacts patients’ psychological and social well-being. Individuals with SCD often experience anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and stigmatization, affecting their quality of life. This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed the perceived psychosocial burden of SCD among patients attending healthcare facilities in Benin City, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 250 purposively sampled SCD patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with results presented in frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Findings revealed a high psychological burden, with 40.0% of respondents experiencing anxiety and 50.0% reporting frequent sadness or hopelessness. Stigmatization affected 60.0%, leading to self-esteem issues, while 30.0% experienced social isolation. Common coping strategies included seeking medical treatment (79.2%), social support (68.8%), and engaging in religious activities (59.2%). The study highlights the need for holistic healthcare interventions. Healthcare facilities should integrate mental health support into SCD management by providing counseling, support groups, and psychosocial education. Healthcare professionals should be trained to address psychological distress and stigma. Public awareness campaigns should be implemented to reduce discrimination against individuals with SCD. Future research should explore the long-term impact of psychosocial interventions on improving the well-being of SCD patients.

Keywords: Sickle Cell Disease, Psychosocial Burden, Psychological Distress, Stigmatization, Coping Strategies, Mental Health Support, Healthcare Facilities