PERSPECTIVES OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL PAIN IN THE ACCRA METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT Pain associated with sickle cell disease can be very severe with debilitating effect on the sufferer. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of individuals who suffer sickle cell pain. The study employed qualitative methodology using exploratory descriptive design to achieve the purpose of the study. Participants were purposively recruited from the Accra Metropolis. Data saturation was achieved with fifteen (15) participants. One-on-one interviews were conducted and audiotaped. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed concurrently using thematic content analysis. This study was guided by the Siddall, Lovell & MacLeod, (2015) conceptual framework which is a Biopsychosocial-Spiritual model. Findings indicated five main themes: physical experiences of sickle cell pain, psychological experiences of sickle cell pain, social experiences of sickle cell pain, spiritual experiences of sickle cell pain and the pain management experiences of sickle cell. Participants were unable to do anything for themselves, had support from others, had fear of death, worry and insomnia, were stigmatized by school mates and working colleagues and felt depressed, isolated and rejected and some lost their job. They coped with sickle cell pain through belief in God and use of multimodal pain management strategies. Participants experienced poor attitude of caregivers and lacked access to health and specialist care when in pain. In conclusion, it was recommended that effective pain management should be provided for individuals with sickle cell disease. The care should be integrated in the national health insurance scheme.