Abstract

In order to better understand where interventions for diagnosis and treatment can occur for sickle cell disease (SCD) in Sierra Leone, this study investigates the perceptions amongst the general public, healthcare professionals, and patients. A series of 51 interviews from multiple regions in Sierra Leone with people in the above groups provided insight into how SCD patients navigate the healthcare system and manage their disease. The interviews revealed that scientific understanding of SCD is not universal with major gaps in knowledge. Additionally, interview responses showed that testing and treatment is primarily completed following the presence of symptoms and is conducted much later in life compared to developed countries. The knowledge gained from these interviews is vital to addressing the current sickle cell crisis in Sierra Leone by providing insight on areas for improvements in terms of diagnosis and treatment.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.