Knowledge, Experiences and Coping Mechanisms for Priapism among Persons with Sickle Cell Disease in Ibadan, Nigeria

Priapism is a prolonged, painful penile erection common among males with Sickle Cell Disease (MWSCD) predisposing to erectile dysfunction (ED) when treatment is delayed. Unlike in women with sickle cell disease (SCD), there has been little attention to male reproductive health complications of SCD.

To investigate knowledge, experiences and coping mechanisms for priapism among MWSCD in Ibadan, Nigeria.

This descriptive cross-sectional study employed purposive sampling technique to select 95 consenting MWSCD attending haematology clinics in Ibadan for interview. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge, coping mechanisms, and experiences of priapism. Knowledge of priapism was measured and categorised as poor and good respectively. Psychosocial Experiences (PEs) were measured and categorised as mild, moderate and severe, while the Sexual Experiences (SEs) were recorded. Coping mechanisms for priapism were grouped into Medical, Psychosocial and Harmful coping mechanisms respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fishers' Exact test at p<0.05.

Respondents' mean age was 23.6±8.8 years. Over half (55.8%) had good knowledge of priapism. Thirty-nine respondents (41.1%) had experienced priapism. Sexual Experiences reported include: total ED 10.3% and apathy for sexual intercourse 23.1%. Majority 30(76.9%) developed mild PEs especially fear of reoccurrence of priapism (56.4%) and sleeplessness (43.6%). The most used Medical Coping Mechanism (MCM) was cold shower (46.2%). There was no significant association between age and knowledge of priapism.

Knowledge of priapism among respondents was good. Psychosocial therapy through appropriate health education, counseling and social support may help improve knowledge among people with SCD.