Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a major public health concern, with Nigeria having one of the highest global prevalence rates. Hydroxyurea is a proven disease-modifying therapy that reduces vaso-occlusive crises and the need for blood transfusions. However, its utilization among healthcare practitioners remains suboptimal. This study assessed the knowledge, utilization, and challenges faced by health practitioners in tertiary institutions in Benin City regarding hydroxyurea use in SCD management. A cross-sectional research design targeted 233 health practitioners, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical scientists. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data were collected through structured questionnaires validated by experts (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). Ethical approval was obtained, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and linear regression, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Findings showed that while 64.4% of respondents correctly identified hydroxyurea’s mechanism of action, only 42.5% consistently prescribed it. Additionally, 52.8% discussed its benefits with patients, but only 30% recommended it as a first-line management for pain crises. Barriers to utilization included high cost (47.2%), limited access (36.5%), inadequate training (29.6%), and insufficient hospital support (47.6%). A significant association (p < 0.05) was found between knowledge level and hydroxyurea utilization. In conclusion, despite recognizing hydroxyurea’s benefits, its inconsistent use is linked to financial, logistical, and educational barriers. Addressing these challenges through targeted training, policy reforms, and improved drug accessibility is essential for optimizing SCD management in Nigeria. Keywords: Hydroxyurea, Sickle cell disease, Health practitioner, Utilization, Benin city, Nigeria
