Qualitative Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life Impacts Associated with Sickle Cell Disease in the United States and United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION

Individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) commonly report impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, impacts of SCD on HRQoL and the unmet needs of SCD treatment/management are under-researched. This study characterized the impact of SCD on HRQoL and identified the unmet needs of individuals with SCD.

METHODS

Adults with SCD (aged ≥ 18 years) and caregivers of adolescents (aged 12‒17) with SCD in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) participated in one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (hereafter referred to as 'interviews'). Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Nineteen individuals participated in the study (across five interviews and three focus group discussions), including 18 adults with SCD (United States, n = 11; United Kingdom, n = 7) and one caregiver of an adolescent with SCD (United States). Most participants were female (n = 15). Participants reported negative impacts of SCD on their HRQoL, including the burden of structuring their lives around SCD, due to unpredictable symptoms. They reported negative impacts to psychological health (e.g., depression/low mood and anxiety) and physical health (e.g., chronic pain and fatigue) that affected their social and family life, work, and education, leading to feelings of isolation. Participants expressed concerns about the future, feelings of resentment, and the need for high resilience when facing the barriers/impacts associated with SCD. Many participants reported negative interactions with healthcare professionals, leading to trauma, anxiety, and routine care avoidance. Most participants reported perceived prejudice during routine SCD treatment/management, including being treated as drug-seekers.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with SCD experience negative HRQoL impacts, including impacts to daily activities, social and family life, work and education, psychological health, and prejudice/stigma. Our findings highlight significant unmet needs of individuals living with SCD, including alternative treatment options to reduce vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) frequency and treat fatigue.