The Effects of Knowledge and Health Beliefs on Coping amongst Adult Sickle Cell Patients

Abstract

The aims of the study are twofold. First, to investigate the effects of knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and health beliefs on how patients cope with SCD. Second, to examine the current trends of health beliefs and treatment choice in Ghana. The study adopted pre-test post-test design, comprising two groups; an experimental and a control group. 100 participants diagnosed with sickle cell disease (50 males and 50 female adults) were recruited from the Sickle Cell Clinic at a national hospital in Accra, Ghana. Measures administered assessed knowledge of SCD, health beliefs and coping. The experimental group received education on sickle cell disease while the comparison group received no education during the study. The results indicated a significant increase in knowledge and coping before and after the educational session for the experimental group.   Patients used more traditional treatment (i.e., herbs, shrine for guidance) than medical treatment (routine medication, doctors’ reviews). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between socio-economic status and coping with SCD. Overall, the results have demonstrated that knowledge and coping of SCD increased significantly after the intervention. Further, the study revealed that Ghanaians continue to use more traditional treatment than western medical approach.