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Barriers and Facilitators of Use of Hydroxyurea among Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Experiences of Stakeholders in Tanzania.

Authors :
Kilonzi M
Mlyuka HJ
Felician FF
Mwakawanga DL
Chirande L
Myemba DT
Sambayi G
Mutagonda RF
Mikomangwa WP
Ndunguru J
Jonathan A
Ruggajo P
Minja IK
Balandya E
Makani J
Sirili N
Source :
Hemato [Hemato] 2021 Dec; Vol. 2 (4), pp. 713-726. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Nov 28.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Factors contributing to low use of HU among SCD patients exist in high-income countries. The latter leaves a drift of literature on factors for low utilization of HU in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the use of HU in the management of SCD in Tanzania. A qualitative study was employed to interview purposively selected participants for this study. The in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 parents of children with SCD, four medical doctors working at sickle cell clinics, and two representatives of the national health insurance fund (NHIF). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Barriers identified were misconception of parents on SCD, financial constraints, regulatory restrictions, worries and fears of medical doctors on the acceptability of HU, shortages of laboratory equipment and consumables, and limited availability of HU. Adequate knowledge of the parents and medical doctors on SCD and HU and opportunities for HU accessibility were the facilitators identified. The utilization of HU by the individual with SCD is affected by several factors, from individual to policy level. Nevertheless, parents of children with SCD and medical doctors working in sickle cell clinics demonstrated good knowledge of the diseases and HU.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Authors declare no competing interest.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2673-6357
Volume :
2
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Hemato
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39211482
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/hemato2040048