Health-related Quality of Life Predictors in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review

Aim: The aim of this systematic review is to examine the predictors of HRQL(health-related quality of life) in children and adolescents (aged 18 years and under) with SCD(Sickle Cell Disease).

Methodology: A systematic review was conducted to identify published articles meeting defined inclusion criteria to identify determinants of HRQL in children and adolescents with SCD.

Results: Children and adolescents with SCD have poor HRQL compared with healthy peers, normative populations or siblings. A number of socio-demographic variables, socioeconomic markers and psychosocial factors along with clinical measures predict HRQL in the study population. These include child demographics, family income, parental support, depression, comorbidities and frequency of hospitalisation.

Conclusion: In managing SCD in children and adolescents, healthcare providers should pay attention to psychosocial variables along with clinical measures. This holistic approach to disease management may help to mitigate the adverse impact of the disease on people with SCD.