Coping with sickle cell anemia in Nigerian universities: the case of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

This study examined coping strategies of students living with sickle cell anemia. In-depth interviews were conducted on 10 students living with sickle cell anemia and eight were conducted on the health workers. To explain the sufferers view and experience, interpretative phenomenology approach was employed. Findings were that sufferers experience much pain and crisis. Their coping strategies include having plenty of rest and water, avoiding strenuous activities and taking their medications. They had a good knowledge of the disease but faced the challenges of combining caring for themselves and academic pursuit which create problems of adherence and finance for buying drugs and sponsoring their education at the same time. In conclusion, sufferers were coping well but there was still a need to address the problems of harsh university environment, finance and adherence.