Determinants of academic performance in children with sickle cell anaemia

Abstract

BackgroundSome factors are known to influence the academic performance of children with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA). Information on their effects in these children is limited in Nigeria. The factors which influence academic performance of children with SCA in Enugu, Nigeria are determined in this study.MethodsConsecutive children with SCA aged 5–11 years were recruited at the weekly sickle cell clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria. Their age- and sex- matched normal classmates were recruited as controls. The total number of days of school absence for 2009/2010 academic session was obtained for each pair of pupils from the class attendance register. Academic performance was assessed using the average of the overall scores in the three term examinations of same session. Intelligence ability was determined with Draw-A-Person Quotient (DAPQ) using the Draw-A-Person Test while socio-economic status was determined using the occupational status and educational attainment of each parent.ResultsAcademic performance of children with SCA showed statistically significant association with their socio-economic status (χ2 = 9.626, p = 0.047), and significant correlation with DAPQ (r = 0.394, p = 0.000) and age (r = -0.412, p = 0.000). However, no significant relationship existed between academic performance and school absence in children with SCA (r = -0.080, p = 0.453).ConclusionsAcademic performance of children with SCA is influenced by their intelligence ability, age and socio-economic status but not negatively affected by their increased school absenteeism.

The Daily Experiences of Adolescents in Lebanon With Sickle Cell Disease

“…In contrast, mothers who have difficulties adjusting to their child's illness can cause the child to feel nervous, humiliated, or guilty (Barbarin & Christian, 1999). Contrary to most research findings, recent studies have found that the quality of life of children with SCD was not lower than that of healthy children (Constantinou, Payne, & Inusa, 2014), nor was their academic performance affected by school absenteeism (Ezenwosu, Emodi, Ikefuna, Chukwu, & Osuorah, 2013).…”

The lived experiences of adolescents with sickle cell disease in Kingston, Jamaica

“…Although the adolescents had reported school absenteeism due to illness (Schwartz, Radcliffe, & Barakat, 2009 ), they had academic success. It is possible that family, peer, and teacher support aided this process as the literature shows that academic success is positively associated with social class in SCD (Ezenwosu, Emodi, Ikefuna, Chukwu, & Osuorah, 2013 ). Unfortunately, social class was not accessed in this study, but it might have contributed to the positive academic outcome reported in this sample.…”

Clinical and care profiles of children and adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease in the Brazilian Northeast region

“…This study highlights that SCD in Campina Grande, Paraíba and its surrounding cities occurs predominantly amongst the mixed and black populations, and evidence shows a clear social vulnerability, which already was demonstrated by other studies. 8,[16][17][18] The affected population occupies the base of the social pyramid and exhibits the worst socioeconomic, epidemiological and educational indicators; it gains the lowest salary, it has the highest unemployment rate, the worst access to healthcare and the lowest participation of GDP, and for this reason it is a victim of the institutional racism, with differenti-ated distribution of services, benefits and opportunities, generating inequalities and inequities. 16 The predominance of SCD among the underprivileged is well documented in many studies on the subject, [18][19][20][21] as well as the low schooling level of caregivers; in some publications, more than 50% of the responsible guardians did not concluded the elementary level of education.…”

“…Since 2013, hydroxyurea has been incorporated into standard treatment norms and is the only medication currently affecting the quality of life of patients with SCD, significantly reducing morbimor-quotient 18 and their worst socioeconomic status. 18,24 The psychosocial consequences faced by these individuals must be taken into consideration; they are victims of stigmatization resulting from a triple association between skin color -social classchronic and severe disease.…”

“…Since 2013, hydroxyurea has been incorporated into standard treatment norms and is the only medication currently affecting the quality of life of patients with SCD, significantly reducing morbimor-quotient 18 and their worst socioeconomic status. 18,24 The psychosocial consequences faced by these individuals must be taken into consideration; they are victims of stigmatization resulting from a triple association between skin color -social classchronic and severe disease. 16 Low self-esteem, social isolation and feelings of hopelessness may occur, contributing to the onset of depression, which also contributes to the increase in pain crises, missed appointments and poor adherence to the treatment.…”