The Psychosocial Impact of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) on Partners of SCD Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial effects that partners of SCD patients experience as a result of their relationship with the patient. A convergent mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the experiences of 75 partners within the city of Accra, Ghana, in 8 psychosocial areas: caregiver burden, marital satisfaction, physical health, psychological wellbeing, social relationships, environmental wellbeing, quality of life, and stigma. Mechanisms of coping among the partners were also examined. Participants of the study commonly reported psychological stress, financial strain, social disruption and stigma among challenging effects of living with a person with SCD. Significant gender differences were found in psychological wellbeing and coping strategies, in accordance with existing literature. The results further indicate that spouses who were aware of the patient’s sickle cell status before marriage had significantly less stressful experiences than those who were unaware. Being married for a greater number of years was also associated with significantly lower stress levels. Other findings of the study suggest significant effects of caregiver burden and marital satisfaction on the psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life of the study sample. Participants also showed a lack of comprehensive knowledge of SCD. The results of this study have valid implications for comprehensive management of SCD patients. Coupleoriented psychosocial and psychoeducational interventions may be valuable in improving the ability of spouses to cope with their challenges and with their roles as caregivers. The reciprocal effect will be improved psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life of the patients themselves.