Understanding Caregiver Knowledge to Improve Home-Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease in Zaria, Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder marked by the production of abnormally shaped, rigid red blood cells that obstruct blood flow, resulting in pain, organ damage, and increased infection risk. SCD poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, which has the highest global burden, with about 150,000 affected children born an-nually. The high prevalence is exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure, low public awareness, and so-cio-economic barriers, making effective disease management difficult. Understanding the knowledge of home-based caregivers is essential to identify gaps that may impact care quality. Aim: This study explores the knowledge, experiences, and educational needs of home-based caregivers of children with SCD attending the Paediatric Haematology Clinic, ABUTH, Zaria. Methods: A qualitative case study design was used, involving in-depth interviews with ten purposively selected caregivers. Inter-views were conducted in Hausa, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was performed. Results: Four themes emerged: 1.Understanding of SCD aetiology 2. Knowledge of symptoms 3. Awareness of complications and 4. Knowledge of SCD type. Conclusion: Home-based caregivers had limited knowledge of the genetic basis of the disease, but possess some knowledge of SCD key symptoms, enabling basic disease management and healthcare seeking. However, there is a need to enhance care-giver education to improve, care quality and health seeking behavior for children with SCD.