DETERMINANTS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AT SIAYA COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA
Abstract
Sickle Cell Disease is a high-morbidity and early-mortality ailment if not managed and controlled properly. Several challenges are usually experience by both the caregiver as well the family unit since the children are usually highly dependent on them for their daily activities. This study, therefore, sought to establish the determinants of quality of life of individuals taking care of children with SCD attending care at Siaya County Referral Hospital, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive analytic study design. This research was theorized by the Quality-of-Life Major Domains Model by Basavaraj et al (2010), and the WHOQOL tool for data collection. The study population were caregivers of children suffering from SCD seeking care at the Siaya County Referral Hospital in Kenya. Sixty (60) participants were sampled to collect the desired data. The identification of the study participants was achieved through a convenience sampling method. Data from both pretests and study population was analyzed using IBM’s SPSS version 25. Findings from the study indicated that 70% of the caregivers had good quality of life; employment X2 (1, N = 60) = 9.3, p = .002, financial security X2 (1, N = 60) = 7.1, p = .008, monthly income X2 (1, N = 60) = 6.6, p = .01, acquisition of new information X2 (1, N = 60) = 6.5, p = .011, support from friends X2 (1, N = 60) = 4.4, p = 0.037, ability to get around life (X2 (1, N = 60) = 13.6, p <0.001) and quality of sleep (X2 (1, N = 60) = 25.7, p<0.001) impacted positively on caregivers’ quality of life. Results also indicated that frequency of hospitalization (X2 (1, N = 60) = 0.0510, p = .021) and frequent negative feelings (X2 (1, N = 60) = 4.5, p = .033) impacted negatively on the caregivers’ quality of life. Predictors of QoL included source of income, ability to acquire new information and satisfaction with relationship. In conclusion, no association was observed between Socio-demographic factors and QoL however there is significance association between economic and psychosocial factors and Qol. Health education should be strengthened and incorporated in the special clinics to provide necessary information to the caregivers. All levels of government should provide financial empowerment to caregivers of children with chronic illnesses.
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