Nurses Knowledge Regarding Sickle Cell Disease among Children

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent genetic disorder, particularly among children of African and Mediterranean descent. It is associated with various complications such as vaso-occlusive crises, hemolysis, and stroke. Nurses' knowledge of SCD is essential for effective patient care, especially in pediatric departments where children with SCD require specialized management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of nurses regarding SCD in pediatric departments of a hospital .

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducte at a hospital with a large pediatric ward. Seventy nurses working in the pediatric medicine, surgery, and emergency departments were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographic information and knowledge about SCD, covering areas such as clinical manifestations, management, complications, diagnostic tests, and the role of education and counseling.

Results: The study found that most nurses (61.4%) were aged 20-30 years, and 98.6% were female. A significant proportion (84%) held bachelor’s degrees. While 94.3% of nurses demonstrated knowledge of the definition of SCD, 75% were unaware of the life expectancy of individuals with the disease. Nurses exhibited good knowledge of clinical manifestations (87.1%) and pain episode management (90%), but 51.5% were unaware that SCD is not a curable condition. Additionally, 95.7% of nurses recognized the importance of education and counseling in managing SCD.

Conclusion: The study revealed that nurses in the pediatric departments possess a strong understanding of many aspects of SCD, including clinical features, management, and complications. However, gaps in knowledge were identified, particularly regarding the life expectancy, curability, and the role of genetic factors in SCD. These findings suggest a need for targeted educational programs to address these knowledge gaps and improve care for pediatric patients with SCD.