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The health, growth and educational performance of sickle cell disease children
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Insights
Sickle cell disease significantly impacts Nigerian children's health, growth, and education. Early intervention and effective disease management are crucial for improving their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant health concern in many populations, including Nigeria.
- The impact of SCD on children's development, particularly in resource-limited settings, requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of sickle cell disease on the health, growth, and educational outcomes of Nigerian children.
- To identify common triggers for illness episodes and evaluate the extent of healthcare utilization.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 102 Nigerian children (9 months to 17 years) diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
- Data collection through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements to assess health, growth, and educational status.
- Analysis of symptom onset, illness triggers, hospitalization rates, blood transfusion history, school performance, and physical growth parameters.
Main Results:
- First symptoms appeared by 1.5 years in 58.8% of children; 81.4% experienced illness episodes bi-annually, often triggered by exercise or cold.
- High rates of hospitalization (94.1%) and blood transfusions (76.5%) were reported.
- Educational impact included 32.8% in correct classes, 53.7% lost school years, and a mean exam score of 67.8%.
- Children's heights were around and weights below the third percentile of standard growth curves.
Conclusions:
- Sickle cell disease adversely affects the health, growth, and educational parameters of Nigerian children.
- There is a need for more effective strategies for controlling sickle cell disease and mitigating its complications.
- Improved management and support are essential for children living with sickle cell disease to enhance their developmental trajectory.
Abstract:
In a study by questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of the effect of sickle cell disease on the health growth and education of 102 Nigerian children aged between 9 months and 17 years, the first symptoms of the disease had occurred by the age 1 1/2 years in 58.8% of them. Strenuous exercise and exposure to cold water and weather commonly precipitated illness episodes which occurred in 81.4% of the children at least bi-annually. 94.1% of the children have been hospitalised and 76.5% transfused with blood at least once each before. Of the 67 children in school only 32.8% were in their correct classes and 53.7% have lost years. The mean class examination performance score computed for 55 of those in school was 67.8% +/- 21.5. The heights fall around and the weights below the third percentile of standard growth curves for Nigerian elite children. The disease affects the parameters examined adversely and should be controlled more effectively.