Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited haemoglobin disorders with abnormal sickle haemoglobin in red
blood cells. Sickle cell anemia, the most common and severe form, results from homozygous inheritance of sickle
haemoglobin from both parents. A study was conducted at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital to determine
medication adherence and complications among under-fives with SCD. The majority of children were over three
years old (48.2%), with over half being females (58.2%). The majority of parents or care takers were over forty years
old (48.2%). The study found that poor adherence to sickle cell medication was most common in under five children
whose mothers or caregivers were illiterate and of young age. The study aimed to identify factors associated with
medication adherence among these children and to provide specific attention to this group of patients.