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Differences in HRQOL among Children with SCD Who Received Hydroxyurea and Those Who Did Not: A Quantitative

Yusra Al Nasiri1, Amal Al Sabahi2, Karima Al Hanai2

  • 1Oman College of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman.

Oman Medical Journal
|January 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Hydroxyurea significantly improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study in Oman found hydroxyurea use led to better HRQOL outcomes compared to non-use.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Quality of Life Research
  • Pharmacological Interventions

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder requiring comprehensive management.
  • Hydroxyurea is a recommended treatment for SCD, known to increase fetal hemoglobin production and reduce complications.
  • Limited research exists on hydroxyurea's impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Omani children with SCD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate differences in HRQOL between children with SCD who received hydroxyurea and those who did not.
  • To assess the effectiveness of hydroxyurea in improving HRQOL among pediatric SCD patients in Oman.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 74 children diagnosed with SCD from a tertiary hospital in Oman.
  • Data collection utilized two questionnaires: HRQOL-SCD and HRQOL-Generic.
  • Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance and regression analysis.

Main Results:

  • Children receiving hydroxyurea demonstrated significantly higher HRQOL scores compared to those not on the medication (p=0.001).
  • Hydroxyurea was identified as a significant predictor of improved HRQOL in children with SCD.
  • Factors including parental familiarity, self-efficacy, child age, sex, and hydroxyurea use explained 87% of the variability in child-reported HRQOL.

Conclusions:

  • Hydroxyurea treatment positively impacts the HRQOL of children with SCD.
  • Findings support the expanded use of hydroxyurea in pediatric SCD management to enhance quality of life and decrease vaso-occlusive events.
  • Recommendations include enhancing parental education on hydroxyurea and implementing strategies to improve medication adherence for optimized SCD care.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anemia, Sickle CellHydroxyureaOmanQuality of Life

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