LEVEL OF STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION TOWARDS PEOPLE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN IBADAN-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition of significant public health concern, notably contributing to elevated infant mortality rates on a global scale. Individuals afflicted with sickle cell disease often face the risk of being stigmatized, as there are prevalent negative perceptions associated with their illness. Consequently, there is a growing awareness of the presence of stigmatizing attitudes among people living with sickle cell disease. This research endeavors to assess the extent of stigma experienced by individuals living with sickle cell disease

Method: This research employed a cross-sectional study design, employing a multi-stage cluster sampling approach to gather data from 500 respondents. Data collection was facilitated through the use of a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which encompassed inquiries about participants' socio-demographic characteristics, their knowledge and beliefs pertaining to sickle cell disease, and their stigmatizing attitudes towards individuals living with this condition. The extent of stigmatization was gauged using Bogardus' social distance scale. The collected data underwent analysis through descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for assessing associations, and multinomial logistic regression to identify factors influencing stigmatizing attitudes, all performed at a 5% significance level

Results: The study involved respondents with an average age of 33.4 years (±10.4), of which 56.4% were female, 58.4% identified as Christians, and 37.8% had completed secondary school education. Among those with low levels of intimacy, 58.9% reported experiencing high levels of stigma. Conversely, 40.6% of those with moderate levels of intimacy exhibited low stigma, while 73.3% of respondents with high levels of intimacy displayed low stigma. The awareness level about sickle cell disease was notably high at 100%. Additionally, 52.6% of respondents had limited knowledge about the disease, whereas 55% held positive beliefs, 52.4% exhibited a favorable attitude, and 52.2% were aware of their genotype status.

In terms of predictors, residing in a monogamous setting (OR=8.25, CI=1.339-50.839) emerged as the sole predictor of moderate stigmatizing attitudes in comparison to low stigmatizing attitudes. On the other hand, having a secondary education (OR=2.04, CI=1.166-3.570), holding positive beliefs (OR=0.49 CI=0.313-0.792), having high levels of intimacy (OR=0.25, CI=0.145-0.455), and having moderate levels of intimacy (OR=0.32, CI=0.191-0.546) were identified as predictors of high stigmatizing attitudes towards individuals living with sickle cell disease in comparison to low stigmatizing attitudes.

Conclusion: It is imperative to implement health education initiatives focused on disseminating knowledge about the causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies related to sickle cell disease. Additionally, anti-stigma intervention programs should be established to mitigate and diminish the stigmatization experienced by individuals living with sickle cell disease.