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Okyere R, Ampomah MO, Achempim-Ansong G, Laari L, Ohene LA, Atkin K. Sickle cell disease awareness and perception among Christian religious leaders in Accra Metropolis: a qualitative study. J Community Genet 2024:10.1007/s12687-024-00738-3. [PMID: 39358664 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-024-00738-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a severe hemoglobin gene mutation disorder inherited from both parents. 2% of Ghanaian newborns are affected by SCD; one in three Ghanaians has the hemoglobin S gene. Christian religious leaders may play a role in the prevention of SCD through the promotion of genetic counseling, genotype screening for premarital couples, and offering counseling to couples on prenatal screening and diagnosis for SCD. However, little is known about the awareness and perception of SCD among Christian religious leaders in Ghana, and this study aims to explore these. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive design to explore the awareness and perception of SCD among Christian religious leaders in the capital city of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique selected 16 participants from churches under the main Christian groups. The participants were chosen based on their roles and responsibilities within their respective churches. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide, which included open-ended questions to encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences. The interviews were conducted in a private setting to ensure confidentiality. The data was then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying recurring themes and patterns in the participants' responses. The study's findings are crucial. They reveal a high awareness of SCD among Christian religious leaders, but also some misconceptions. Most of the religious leaders knew SCD was a genetic disease, although a few associated SCD with superstitious beliefs, poor dietary intake, and lifestyle. Some also stated that SCD was a disease of the blood group instead of the defective haemoglobin gene. They perceived SCD to be burdensome, disruptive, and draining, and they associated the disease with burnout in Persons Living with SCD (PLWSCD) and their families. The religious leaders had a good social network with PLWSCD, including family, friends, colleagues, and congregants. These findings underscore the need for intense education about SCD, especially among Christian religious leaders. It is crucial to engage all stakeholders to intensify public awareness and education about SCD while improving the management and social support systems available to PLWSCD and families. This includes the religious institution's leadership, PLWSCD and families, the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Ghana Education Service. As active stakeholders, religious leaders can play a vital role in supporting PLWSCD if they are equipped with the necessary knowledge about the condition. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Okyere
- Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Pentecost University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Menford Owusu Ampomah
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Gloria Achempim-Ansong
- Department of Adult Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Luke Laari
- Department of Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lillian Akorfa Ohene
- Department of Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O Box LG 43, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Karl Atkin
- Department of Sociology, Law and Sociology Building, Heslington East Campus, University of York, York, YO10 5GD, UK
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Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Managing gastrointestinal challenges: Diarrhea in sickle cell anemia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38075. [PMID: 38701274 PMCID: PMC11062666 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia (SCA), a hereditary hemoglobinopathy, is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin and has long been associated with a wide range of complications. While much attention has been given to the condition hematological aspects, gastrointestinal complications, particularly diarrhea, have been relatively understudied and often overlooked. This publication delves into the management of gastrointestinal challenges, with a focus on diarrhea, in individuals living with SCA. The pathophysiology of SCA is intrinsically linked to gastrointestinal complications, and diarrhea is a common manifestation of this condition. This abstract publication outlines the key elements discussed in the full-length work, which includes the clinical presentation of diarrhea in these patients, the diagnostic tools used to evaluate the condition, and various management strategies to alleviate symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for affected individuals. The paper emphasizes the importance of patient education, offering healthcare professionals valuable insights into how to inform and support patients in managing their conditions effectively. It also highlights the need for continued research to further our understanding of gastrointestinal challenges in SCA and to identify potential areas for future therapeutic interventions. Ultimately, the comprehensive management of diarrhea in individuals with SCA is vital for their overall well-being. This publication serves as a valuable resource for healthcare providers, researchers, and caregivers in addressing the gastrointestinal challenges that accompany SCA, ultimately working toward a better quality of life for those affected by this condition.
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Tsuchiya M, Adachi K, Kumagai K, Kondo N, Kimata A. Cancer disclosure to friends: Survey on psychological distress and perceived social support provision. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 31:e13332. [PMID: 33006241 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the factors associated with the degree of distress experienced by patients with cancer before disclosing their cancer diagnosis to a friend and their perceptions of social support upon disclosure. METHODS Adult patients with cancer participated in a cross-sectional Internet-based survey on their behaviour when disclosing their diagnosis to a selected friend, degree of distress before this disclosure and perceived social support upon disclosure. RESULTS Of 473 eligible respondents, around half were middle-aged (40-59 years) and around half were men. Having a younger age (20-39 years), being a woman and delaying disclosure were factors associated with greater pre-disclosure distress. Most participants perceived receiving emotional support upon disclosure. Telling a close friend or a female friend and early disclosure timing were associated with perceived social support, although this varied by social support type. CONCLUSION Younger patients and women may need more support in deciding to disclose their cancer diagnosis to friends. Selection of to whom to disclose this information and disclosure timing should be considered to achieve more desirable outcomes. In addition to selective disclosure-including planning and scheduling-communication skills may be required for effectively disclosing a cancer diagnosis and achieving favourable results following this disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Tsuchiya
- Division of Cancer Survivorship Research, Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Adachi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Kaori Kumagai
- School of Nursing and Social Service, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-gun, Japan
| | - Nami Kondo
- Department of Breast Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Akiko Kimata
- Division of Cancer Survivorship Research, Center for Cancer Control and Information Services, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Kumar N, Turbitt E, Biesecker BB, Miller IM, Cham B, Smith KC, Rimal RN. Managing the need to tell: Triggers and strategic disclosure of thalassemia major in Singapore. Am J Med Genet A 2019; 179:762-769. [PMID: 30821068 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study explored patients' experiences and perceptions of living with thalassemia (an inherited hematologic disorder), perceptions of social stigma, and impact on disclosure decision-making. Semistructured, in-person interviews were conducted in Singapore with 30 individuals: 16 thalassemia major patients and 14 parents of children with thalassemia. Findings were indicative of felt or enacted stigma that may have influenced disclosure decisions. Although affected individuals commonly disclosed their thalassemia diagnosis to family members, they either downplayed the condition with or avoided disclosure to unrelated individuals. Disclosure outside the family occurred only in response to triggers, such as questions about absences due to medical care. Health professionals should provide anticipatory guidance about disclosure strategies when managing individuals with thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Kumar
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Erin Turbitt
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.,University of Technology Sydney, Graduate School of Health, Australia
| | - Barbara B Biesecker
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ilana M Miller
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Breana Cham
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Katherine C Smith
- Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rajiv N Rimal
- Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Holloway BM, McGill LS, Bediako SM. Depressive symptoms and sickle cell pain: The moderating role of internalized stigma. STIGMA AND HEALTH 2017; 2:271-280. [PMID: 29404408 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies describe the clinical implications of sickle cell disease (SCD) stigma. However, little is known about its link to depressive symptoms or its relative influence on the association between depressive symptoms and SCD pain. We examined whether internalized stigma about SCD moderated the relation between depressive symptoms and pain among 69 adults attending a SCD clinic who reported pain episodes and healthcare use over the past three months. Unadjusted bivariate analyses showed a marginal association between depressive symptoms and SCD pain frequency (r = .21, p < .10). Further analyses adjusting for health care use indicated a moderating effect of internalized stigma (b = -.10, p < .05): a significant association between depressive symptoms and pain was observed among participants low in internalized stigma, but this relationship was attenuated at moderate and high stigma levels. These results denote counterintuitive consequences of internalized attitudes about SCD and suggest a need for further study of the psychosocial and clinical implications of SCD stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lakeya S McGill
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
| | - Shawn M Bediako
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
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Barriteau CM, Thompson AL, Meier ER, Pecker LH. Sickle cell disease related internet activity is three times less frequent than cystic fibrosis related internet activity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:2061-2. [PMID: 27362449 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Barriteau
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Amanda L Thompson
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Emily R Meier
- Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lydia H Pecker
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia. .,Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia.
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