Abstract

Sickle cell disorders can be managed cost-effectively by programs that integrate treatment
with early carrier detection through screening and genetic counselling. However, sickle cell
disease is not well known or recognized by many individuals as a significant health problem
with major complications, thus a large number of Ugandans are carriers of the trait but they
are unaware of their status. Therefore, this study sought to determine the knowledge and
practices of mothers towards the home-based care of sickle cell anaemia among children
below 10 years at Jinja regional referral hospital in Jinja City. Simple random sampling was
used to select the required number of participants, n equals 30. The questionnaire used
consist of closed and open-ended questions to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.
The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures. The
study findings revealed that 59.3% of respondents had poor knowledge while 40.7% of
respondents had good knowledge concerning home-based care of their children with SCA.
52.9% of the respondents had good practices while 47.1% had poor practices about homebased
care of their children with SCA. So, it was concluded that caregivers lack adequate
knowledge about home-based care of children with SCA with average good practices.
Therefore, there is a need for government to come up with programs aimed at teaching
mothers and the communities at large to impact knowledge on how to manage SCA. Health
education should be done regularly and expanded to couples intending to marry and also screened during antenatal visits. There is also a need for more sensitization of the general public both by the government and professionally experienced health workers pertaining SCD in Uganda