Barriers and Facilitators of Use of Hydroxyurea among Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Experiences of Stakeholders in Tanzania

Hemato

Nathanael Sirili¹  Irene Kida Minja²  Lulu Chirande³  Joyce Ndunguru³  Agnes Jonathan³  Paschal Ruggajo³  Emmanuel Balandya³  Julie Makani³  Dorkasi L. Mwakawanga⁴  Fatuma Felix Felician⁵  Wigilya P. Mikomangwa⁵  Godfrey Sambayi⁵  David T. Myemba⁵  Manase Kilonzi⁵  Ritah F. Mutagonda⁵  Hamu J. Mlyuka⁵ 

[1] Department of Development Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65013, Tanzania;School of Dentistry, The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65013, Tanzania;School of Medicine, The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania;School of Nursing, The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65013, Tanzania;School of Pharmacy, The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65013, Tanzania;

关键词: hydroxyurea;    barriers;    facilitators;    utilization;   

DOI  :  10.3390/hemato2040048

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Factors contributing to low use of HU among SCD patients exist in high-income countries. The latter leaves a drift of literature on factors for low utilization of HU in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the use of HU in the management of SCD in Tanzania. A qualitative study was employed to interview purposively selected participants for this study. The in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 parents of children with SCD, four medical doctors working at sickle cell clinics, and two representatives of the national health insurance fund (NHIF). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Barriers identified were misconception of parents on SCD, financial constraints, regulatory restrictions, worries and fears of medical doctors on the acceptability of HU, shortages of laboratory equipment and consumables, and limited availability of HU. Adequate knowledge of the parents and medical doctors on SCD and HU and opportunities for HU accessibility were the facilitators identified. The utilization of HU by the individual with SCD is affected by several factors, from individual to policy level. Nevertheless, parents of children with SCD and medical doctors working in sickle cell clinics demonstrated good knowledge of the diseases and HU.

【 授权许可】

Unknown