Sickle cell disease knowledge, attitudes, and management practices among nurses in northern Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a global public health concern with high morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Affected children require specialized care, and nurses bear major responsibility for their management. This study assessed nurses' knowledge of SCD and their attitudes and practices towards its management in the pediatric unit of Tamale Teaching Hospital.

METHODS

This hospital-based cross-sectional study randomly sampled 147 nurses caring for SCD clients from February to April 2024. Data was analyzed using SPSS and STATA. Multiple linear regression identified factors associated with SCD management practices (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

In all, most respondents (55.8%) demonstrated low SCD knowledge, despite 90.5% knew SCD is caused by genetic mutation. Mean attitude score was 24.40 ± 5.30 (range 12-40); 36.1% agreed that clients with SCD are sometimes perceived as drug-seeking. Age (β = 0.32, p = 0.013), knowledge level (β = 1.75, p = 0.001), and attitudes (β = -0.21, p = 0.006) were associated with practice.

CONCLUSION

Nurses demonstrated low SCD knowledge, neutral attitudes, and good practices. Age and knowledge positively associated with practice, while attitudes showed negative association. These deficiencies may adversely affect client outcomes. Training workshops and behavior change communication across the nursing fraternity could improve SCD management practices.