Bio-Economics, Knowledge and Awareness of Social Support Mechanisms Available for Children Living With Sickle Cell Disease Among Parents in Nsukka Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Social support is an important component of health care for people with chronic health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, sickle cell disease, stroke and so on. This study investigated bio-economics, knowledge and awareness of social support mechanisms available for children living with sickle cell disease among parents of children living with sickle cell in Nsukka
urban. Data were collected using in-depth interview (IDI). Sample size of seventeen (17) participants was used in the study. The data was analyzed and coded using the NVivo software. The findings from the study revealed that parents were not knowledgeable of social support mechanisms but had literal knowledge of the term. The findings also show that the respondents acknowledged the benefits of social support to their children as well as to themselves. It also shows that there is a relationship between the bioeconomic status of parents; education, social class, family income level, place of residence, level of education of; parents of children living with sickle
cell and their; ability to access social support services. The study concluded that bioeconomic status of parents affects their attitude and relationship with sickle cell patients. Hence, it was recommended that constant education and sensitization should be provided to those living in rural areas on issues of stigma and discrimination chronic illnesses like sickle cell anaemia.