CHAPTER 4

  Results and Discussion

This chapter presents the analysis of data collected from the respondents. it is

represented in the form of tables, bar charts and pie charts. The results are organized

into four thematic areas comprising of; demographic characteristics of the

respondents, knowledge of sickle cell disease in the Pantang community, prevention

of sickle cell disease, impact of sickle cell disease on the people in the community.

There is a general discussion of the result at the end of each section aimed at

answering the research questions.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

The respondents were discussed with respect to gender, age and academic level.

1
Figure 1: Gender of Respondents

43%
KEY
58% Male
Female

From the figure above the gender of the respondents were males and females.

Majority of the respondents were females (23) making 57% and male respondents

were (17) making 43.0 %. Both sexes were evenly distributed.

Table 1: Age of Respondents

Age Frequency Percentage (%)

18-23 14 35

24-29 16 40

2
30-35 10 25

Total 40 100

As shown in Table 1, the ages of the respondents ranged between 18 to 23 years, 24

to 29 years and 30 to 35years.14 respondents aged between 18 and 23 years

constituting 25%, then 20 respondents (40%)were aged between 24 and 29 years and

16 of the respondents fall in the age range of 30-35 years constituting 25% . The ages

of the respondents were considered in this research to assess the knowledge of each

level of the age group. From the table, it showed that most of respondent were from

24 to 29 years.

Table 2: The Religious Status of The Respondents

Religious status Frequency Percentage (%)

Christian 36 90%

3
Muslim 4 10%

Traditionalist 0 0

Other religions 0 0

Total 40 100

This table above shows the number respondents in the various religions and their

percentages. Most of the respondents,36 are Christians representing 90% followed by

4 of the respondents who are Muslims, representing 10%.

There was no record of respondents who are traditionalist or in any other religions.

This shows that respondents of various religions should be assessed so educations can

be given on sickle cell diseases

Table 3: Educational status of Respondents

Status of Respondents Frequency Percentage (%)

Senior High School 2 6.7%

Tertiary 28 93.3%

Total 30 100%

As shown in Table 2, 30 out of 40 of the status of respondents were Senior High

school students and Tertiary students. 2 of the respondents representing 6.7% were

Senior High School students, 28 of the respondents representing 93.3% were Tertiary

students. This shows that all the respondents are educated.

Table 4; Marital Status of The Respondents

4
 Marital status Frequency Percentage %

Married 6 15%

Divorced 0 0%

Separated 0 0%

Single 34 85%

Total 40 100%

The table above shows the marital status of the 40 respondents in the Pantang

community. Among the 40 respondents, 6 of them are married representing 15% ,34

of them are single and none of them are either divorced or separated. Looking at this,

most of the respondents are single. This shows that most of the respondents are

married and a few are single and none are divorced or separated.

Table 5; Occupational Status of the Respondents

Occupational Status Frequency Percentage (%)

Student 20 50%

Employed 4 10%

Unemployed 16 40%

Total 40 100%

This table shows the occupational status of the respondents 20 of the participant,

representing 50% are students, 4 of the respondents, representing 10% are unemployed

and 16 of the respondents, representing 40% are employed. This shows that most of the

respondents were students.

Knowledge on Sickle Cell Disease

5
Table 6: whether the respondents have heard about sickle cell disease

Response of the Frequency Percentages

Respondents

Yes 40 100%

No 0 0%

Total 40 100%

As shown in Table 6, respondents of 40 representing 100% said yes as to whether

they have knowledge on sickle cell, only 4 respondents representing 0% said no as to

whether they have any knowledge on sickle cell. This study suggests that most of the

respondents have heard about sickle cell and have knowledge about sickle cell.

Table 7; Response of respondents on sickle cell inheritance from both parents

Response of the Frequency Percentages %

respondents

Yes 36 90%

No 4 10%

Total 40 100

From the responses in table 7, it is clear that majority of respondents 36, representing

90% know that sickle cell is inherited from both parents and the rest of the

respondents, 4 representing 10% also know that sickle cell is not inherited from both

parents. This shows that most of the respondents know that sickle cell is inherited

from both parents but a few do not know so education should be given to the few.

6
Table 8; Is sickle cell acquired from sexual activities?

Response from Frequency Percentages (%)

respondents

Yes 0 0

No 40 100

Total 40 100

As shown in table 8, all the respondents,40 representing 100% agree that sickle cell

disease is not acquired from sexual activities. All the respondents know that sickle

cell disease cannot be acquired from sexual activities.

Table 9; People getting sickle cell from birth

Response from Frequency Percentages (%)

respondents

Yes 38 95

No 2 5

Total 40 100

From Table 9; most of the respondents, 38 representing 95% agree that people get

sickle cell from birth and 2 representing 5% of the respondents do not agree. This

shows that most of the respondents know that sickle cell can be acquired at birth.

7
Table 10: Do people get sickle cell through blood transfusion

Response of the Frequency Percentage (%)

respondents

Yes 34 85

No 6 15

Total 40 100

From the responses in table 10, it is clear that majority of respondents 34(85%) agree

that people get sickle cell through blood transfusions. However, 6 of the respondents

(15%) do not agree that people get sickle cell through blood transfusion. This shows

that education should be given to the respondents on sickle cell disease being acquired

through blood transfusion.

Table 11: Do people with sickle cell present signs of jaundice?

Response of the Frequency Percentage (%)

respondents

Yes 32 80

No 8 20

Total 40 100

Responds from table 11 shows that majority 32(80%) of the respondents agree that

sickle cell people presents signs of jaundice, interestingly 8(20%) of the respondents

also think people with sickle cell do not present with jaundice.

8
Table 12: Do people get sickle cell disease by using sharp objects with an infected

person?

Response of participants Frequency Percentage (%)

Yes 2 5

No 38 95

Total 40 100

From table 12, it is clear that majority 38(95%) of the responses of respondents

disagree that people get sickle cell disease through sharing of sharp objects with

infected persons and 5(10%) also surprisingly agreed that people get sickle cell

disease by sharing sharp objects with an infected person.

Table 13: Do the participants know about sickling test?

Response from Frequency Percentage (%)

participants

Yes 38 95%

No 2 5%

Total 40 100%

Responses of the respondents from table 13 shows that majority of the respondents

38(95%) know about the sickling test and only a few of the respondents, 2 (5%) do

not know about the sickling test. This means majority of the respondents know about

sickling test.

9
Figure 2: Was the sickling test positive or negative ?

20%

KEY
Positive
Negative
80%

Responses from figure 2 above indicated that, 32 of the respondents representing

(80%) tested negative. Interestingly, 6 of the respondents representing 20% tested

positive.

This shows that most of the respondents tested negative when sickling test was

conducted on them.

10
Assessing the Impact of Sickle Cell Disease on The People in The Community

Table 14: Increased utilization of health facilities

Response of respondents frequency Percentages (%)

Strongly agree 8 20

Agree 16 40

Disagree 16 40

Strongly disagree 0 0

Total 40 100

Table 14 shows the response of respondents about increased utilization of health

facilities by sickle cell people in the community. 8(20%) of the respondents strongly

agreed, 16(40%) of the respondents agreed, surprisingly 16(40%) of the participants

disagreed. This means majority of the respondents agree that there is increased

utilization of health facilities in the community.

Figure 3; School Absenteeism among People with Sickle Cell Disease

20

12

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly

0 Disagree

11
Figure 3 tells us the responses of the respondents about the absenteeism of people

with sickle cell disease and the respondents who strongly agree are 12 (30%), those

who agree are 20(50%) but those who disagree are 8(20%).

Figure 4; increased frequencies of psychological distress among persons with

sickle cell disease

25

22
20

15 16

10

2
0
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly
0 Disagree

In figure 4, 16(40%) of the respondents showed strong agreement that there are

increased frequencies of psychological distress among persons with sickle cell

disease, most of the respondents 22(55%), showed mild agreement but only 2(5%) of

the respondents disagreed.

Figure 5: Sickle cell disease affect the productivity level of the community

25

22
20

15
14

10

5
4

0
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly
0 Disagree

12
This bar chat shows that 22(55%) of the respondents strongly agree that sickle cell

disease affect the productivity level of the community, 14(35%) of the respondents

also agree to some point but 4(10%) of the respondents disagreed that sickle cell

disease affect the productivity level of the community.

Table 15: there is deterioration in school performance.

Response from Frequencies Percentages (%)

respondents

Strongly Agree 14 35

Agree 24 60

Disagree 2 5

Strongly Disagree 0 0

Total 40 100

This table shows the response of the respondents on the deterioration in school

performance by persons with sickle disease. 14(35%) of the respondents strongly

agreed, also most of the respondents ,24(60%) agree to some point but 2(5%) of them

disagree.

13
 How Sickle Cell Can Be Prevented in the Community

Table 16: sickle cell can be prevented before birth

Response from Frequency Percentages (%)

respondents

Strongly Agree 6 15

Agree 30 75

Disagree 4 10

Strongly Disagree 0

Total 40 100

As shown in table 16, majority of the respondents,30(75%) agree that sickle cell can

be prevented before birth. surprisingly only 6 (15%) of the respondents strongly

agreed that sickle cell can be prevented before birth and only 4 (10%) of the

respondents disagreed

Figure 6: Community members’ ready for marriage should check their sickling

status

14
 35

30 32

25

20

15

10

5 6

0 2
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly
0 Disagree

From Figure 3; majority of the respondents,32 (80%) strongly agree that members of

the community should check their sickling status before marriage some of the

respondents,6 (15%) agree and 2(5%) of the respondents disagree.

Table 17: People with sickle cell in the community must drink a lot of water

Response from Frequency Percentages (%)

respondents

Strongly Agree 12 30

Agree 20 50

Disagree 4 10

Strongly Disagree 4 10

Total 40 100

Table 17, shows the response of the respondents about people in the community

drinking plenty of water can be one of the prevention measures to sickle cell disease.

12 of the respondents representing 30%, strongly agree ,20 of the respondents (50%)

agree. But surprisingly 4 (10%) of the respondents disagree and also 4 (10%) of them

strongly disagree.

15
Figure 7: people with sickle cell should avoid an extreme hot or cold temperature

20
18
18
16
14
12
12
10
10
8
6
4
2
0
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly0Disagree

Figure 4 shows that 12(30%) of the respondents strongly agree that people with sickle

cell should avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures, 18(45%) of the respondents also

agree to some point, 10(25%) disagree to some point that people with sickle cell

should avoid places with low oxygen to prevent sickle cell diseases.

Figure 8; People with sickle cell should avoid places with low oxygen such as

high-altitude places

16
 5%
15% Strongly Agree
Agree
45% Disagree
Strongly Disagree

35%

Figure 8 shows that 18(45%) of the respondents strongly agree that people with sickle

cell should avoid places with low oxygen, 14(35%) of the respondents also agree to

some point, 6(15%) disagree to some point but a few of the respondents 4(5%) totally

disagree with the idea that people with sickle cell should avoid places with low

oxygen to prevent sickle cell diseases.

17
Figure 9: people with sickle cell should get plenty of rest and take frequent break

during exercise

25

20
20

15 16

10

5
4
0
Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly0Disagree

Figure 6 shows the response of the respondents that people with sickle cell should

have plenty of rest and take break frequently during exercise. 20 (50%) of the

respondents strongly agreed, 16(40%) of the respondents agreed to some extent but

4(10%) disagreed

Figure 9; People with sickle cell should take hydroxyurea medications

18
 5%
15% 20%
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree

60%

Figure 9 shows that 8(20%) of the respondents strongly agree that people with sickle

cell should take hydroxyurea medications, majority24(60%) of the respondents also

agree to some point, 6(15%) disagree to some point but a few of the participants

2(5%) totally disagree with the idea that people with sickle cell should take

hydroxyurea medications which can prevent sickle cell diseases.

From this data presented above, majority of the respondents have much knowledge

that taking hydroxyurea medications can prevent sickle cell diseases.

Discussion of Findings

Section C: Discussion on the Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease

Respondents indicated with a Yes or No option where they were asked if they have

knowledge about sickle cell disease ,thus, all the respondents 40 with a percentage of

19
100% agreed to Yes, meaning people heard about it from telecommunications like

news broadcast and programs held on radios, televisions and also social media

networks such as Instagram, telegram, tiktok and others.

Again, they also agreed to Yes to the fact that sickle cell is inherited from both

parents. This concurred with the findings of rogers (2019) where a research finding

explained that people inherit sickle cell from parents, that is inheriting haemoglobin

“S” from both parents.

Furthermore, most of the respondents forming a majority 0f 38 (95%) agreed to Yes

that agreed that sickle cell disease is acquired through blood transfusion .which is

not in alignment with the findings of Center for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC),2017 which that blood transfusion help treat certain complications of sickle

cell diseases.

Most respondents of 34(85%) responded Yes to the view that people with sickle cell

disease present with jaundice. This research finding agrees with the findings of

(Ilesanmi, 2010) that the fast breakdown of the red blood cells may cause yellowing

of the eyes and skin which indicates jaundice in people with sickle cell disease.

Section D: Discussion about the Impact of Sickle Cell Disease in the Community

Ascertaining the impact of sickle cell in the community, most of the respondents (24)

with a percentage of 60% as the majority agreed that there is increased utilization of

health care services by people with sickle cell disease This findings a agrees with

20
research findings of (Gil et al, 1991) where the finding concluded that children,

adolescents and adults with sickle cell disease experience pain which is associated

with increased utilization of healthcare services.

Again, 32 of the participants whose percentage is 80% also affirms that there is

school absenteeism among the people with sickle cell disease which may be due to

attendance to clinical appointments. Their responses correspond with the findings of

(Schwartz et al, 2009) where their results students with sickle cell disease misses

average of 12% of the school year and more than 35% missed at least a month from

school as a result of health related and psychosocial variables which correlates with

absenteeism. Attendance to clinical appointment and parent reported teen pain

frequency were significant associate of absenteeism.

Most respondents also with a number of 38 (95%) admitted that most people with

sickle cell disease suffer increased frequencies of psychological distress. Which

corresponds to the findings of (Gil et al, 1991) that sickle cell pain increases

psychological distress in children, adolescents and adults.

Section B: Prevention of Sickle Cell Disease

In discussing this research findings of community member’s knowledge about

prevention of sickle cell, all of the respondents thus, 36 representing 90% of

respondents agreed that sickle cell can be prevented before birth. According to CDC,

21
(2017), hydroxyurea is given to help the fetal body to build fetal haemoglobin before

the baby is born.

Moreover, 38 of the respondents as majority of 80% also agreed that. Avoiding

places with low oxygen help prevent sickle cell symptoms and is in alignment with

the findings of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),2017 that people

with sickle cell disease should avoid places or situations with low oxygen, such as

high altitudes

In conclusion, most of respondents about 34 with a percentage of 85%,

were also of the view that people with sickle cell should get plenty of rest and take

frequent break during exercise which were in alignment with the findings of

(CDC,2017), which states that people living with sickle cell should avoid strenuous

exercise or athletic training and get plenty of rest and take frequent breaks during

exercise.

CHAPTER FIVE

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendation

The chapter provides a summary of all the research, draw conclusion and make some

recommendations concerning direction for future research and for policy. The general

22
objective of the study was to find out the knowledge, the impact and prevention of

sickle cell disease in the pantang community

Summary

Overview of the study:

The study was conducted to find out the knowledge and prevention of sickle cell

disease in the Pantang community. A descriptive research design was used. Simple

random sampling method was used in the selection of the respondent. A structured

and closed ended interview in the form of questionnaire was used to gather data from

40 respondents.

Key findings:

1. Most of the respondents know about sickle cell.

2. Respondents agreed that sickle cell can be transmitted through blood

transfusion.

3. Most of the respondents agreed that drinking a lot water can be one of the

preventive measures for sickle cell crises.

4. Respondents have the knowledge that sickle cell cannot be acquired through

sexual activities.

5. Majority of the respondents agreed that sickle cell can be acquired through

blood transfusion.

Recommendations

Based on the research findings and observations, the following recommendations are

made:

23
From the data collected in the research study, it was observed out of the research

findings that out of 100%, 95% of the respondents have much knowledge about sickle

cell disease, but sickle cell education concerning blood transfusion must be done for

the community members on how blood transfusion can be used to treat and prevent

certain complication of sickle cell

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the following were conclusion drawn.

1. It could be concluded that since majority of the respondents have more knowledge

about sickle, they can educate other community members on the preventive measures

of sickle disease.

2. It can also be concluded that respondents do not have much knowledge about the

inability of blood transfusion causing sickle cell.

3. Since drinking a lot of water can increase blood volume thereby preventing some

sickle cell crisis in the community.

4. The community members have an insight to the fact that sickle cell is not acquired

through sexual activities and have the knowledge of the causes and symptoms sickle

cell.

5. Finally, it is concluded that blood transfusion may be used to treat and prevent

certain sickle cell disease complications. Also red blood cell transfusions to increase

the number of red blood cells and provide normal red blood cells that are more

flexible than red blood cells with sickle hemoglobin.

REFERENCES

http://doi,org/10.1207/s15327558iibm0503_1

24
Roger, G. (2019). Sickle Cell Anemia: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment. Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/health/sickle-cell-anemia#diagnosis

Stephanie Ajinkpang , Anim-Boamah O. , K. A. Bimpong, Kanton F. J. , Joyce B. P.

Pwavra, & Abdul-Mumin, 2022, A Sickle Cell Disease in Children:

Knowledge and Home-Based Management Strategies among Caregivers at a

Tertiary Facility in Northern Ghana. BioMed Research International,

https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3384813

Schwartz,L.A., Radcliffe,J.,& Barak, L.P. (2009). associates of school absenteeism in

adolescents with sickle cell disease.pediatric blood & cancer,52(1),92-96

https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.21819

WA Arishi, HA Alhadrami, M Zourob - Micro machines, 2021. Techniques for the

detection of sickle cell disease.

https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/mi12050519

25
 APPENDIX

QUESTIONNAIRES ON THE INCIDENCES OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN

THE PANTANG COMMUNITY IN THE GREATER ACCRA REGION

Dear Respondent,

We are final year students of Nurses’ Training College, Pantang and we are

researching on the incidence of sickle cell disease in Pantang community.

This is an academic exercise in partial fulfillment for a Diploma in Psychiatric

Nursing. Your name is not required and your response will be treated confidentially.

Thank You

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Your candid answers are appreciated,

2. Please tick ( ) where appropriate and fill in the spaces provided if necessary.

SECTION A

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

3. GENDER

Female ( ) Male ( )

4. AGE

18 - 23 years ( )

24 -29 years ( )

30 - 35 years ( )

26
5. RELIGION

Christian ( )

Muslim ( )

Traditionalist ( )

Others, specify ……………………………………….

6. EDUCATION LEVEL

Senior High ( )

Tertiary ( )

Employed ( )

7. MARITAL STATUS

Married ( )

Divorce ( )

Separated ( )

Single ( )

8. OCCUPATION

Employed ( )

Unemployed ( )

27
 SECTION B

Exploring The Knowledge About Sickle Cell

1. Have you heard about sickle cell disease?

A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )

2. Do people get sickle cell disease from inheritance from both parents?

A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )

3. Do people get sickle cell disease from sexual activities.

A.Yes ( ) B. No ( )

4. Do people get sickle cell from birth?

A.Yes ( ) B. No ( )

5. Do people get sickle cell disease from blood transfusion?

A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )

6. Do people with sickle cell present signs of jaundice?

A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )

7. Do people get sickle cell disease by using sharp object with infected person?

A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )

8. Do you know about sickling test ?

28
 A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )

9. Was the sickling test positive or negative?

A. Positive ( ) B. Negative ( )

SECTION C

How Sickle Cell Disease Can Be Prevented In The Community

1. Sickle cell can be prevented before birth in the community.

A. Strongly Agree ( ) B. Agree ( )

B. C. Disagree ( ) D. Strongly disagree ( )

2. Community members ready for marriage should check their sickling status .

A. Strongly Agree ( ) B. Agree ( )

C. Disagree ( ) D. Strongly Disagree ( )

3. People in the community must drink plenty of water.

A. Strongly Agree ( ) B. Agree ( )

C. Disagree ( ) D.Strongly Disagree ( )

4. People in the community avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures.

A. Strongly Agree ( ) B. Agree ( )

C. Disagree ( ) D. Strongly Disagree ( )

5. People in the community avoid places or situations with low oxygen, such as high

altitudes.

A. Strongly Agree ( ) B. Agree ( )

29
C. Disagree ( ) D. Strongly Disagree ( )

6. People in the community must get plenty of rest and take frequent breaks during

exercise.

A. Strongly Agree ( ) B. Agree ( )

C. Disagree ( ) D. Strongly Disagree ( )

30