Prevalence and associated risk factors of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in caregivers of children affected with Sickle Cell Disease in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 2017

Dr. Hajar Yahya Al Suma; Dr. Wasayf Marzooq Alotaibi; Dr. Nawal Al Qahtani; Dr. Linda Faisal

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2018

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in caregivers of children affected with Sickle Cell Disease in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 2017

Dr. Hajar Yahya Al Suma, Dr. Wasayf Marzooq Alotaibi, Dr. Nawal Al Qahtani, Dr. Linda Faisal

Abstract :

Background: Sickle Cell Disease is one of the most common hereditary blood disorders in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The caregiver of the affected child may face psychological maladjustment because of the practical or emotional coping with this disease.

Method:A cross–sectional study was performed with complete coverage of all caregivers of children affected with Sickle Cell Diseasewho presented to the Pediatric Hematology Outpatient Clinics in Maternity and Children Hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Results: The prevalence of depression among caregivers of children affected with Sickle Cell Disease comprises 46.5% (29.9% mild, 8.9% moderate, 4.5% moderately severe and 3.2% severe). Generalized Anxiety Disorder comprises 31.8% (19.1% mild, 7% moderate and5.7% severe). Co–existence of both disorders was 29.5%.

Depression is observed to be higher in non–married individuals and among caregivers who have more than one child affected with Sickle Cell Disease.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is noted to be increased in caregivers who have Sickle Cell Disease. Also, there is a significant association between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and the number of ICU admissions due to a cereovascular event or acute chest syndrome for children affected with Sickle Cell Disease.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in caregivers of children affected with Sickle Cell Diseaseis higher than the prevalence of depression and GAD in general population and similar to rates found in chronically ill patients.

Recommendation: Physician and healthcare workers should be more aware of the psychological distress in caregivers of children affected with Sickle Cell Diseaseto provide the needed screening and follow up.