53a7bb081a02e9f8a533767 20260824093743384 chitu:chitu chitkarauniversitypublications@chitkara.edu.in WEB-FORM Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Healthcare JMRH 23938536 23938544 10.15415/jmrh https://jmrh.chitkara.edu.in/ 8 14 2026 8 14 2026 12 2 10.15415/jmrh.2026.122 https://jmrh.chitkara.edu.in/2026/vol-12-no-2/ Experiences and Management Practices of Individuals Living with Sickle Cell Anemia in Nigeria Abidemi Esther Ojo Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Regina Oghenevwede Golagha Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4627-9093 Olugbenga Anthony Ojo Department of Pharmacognosy, Madonna University, Elele, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Adejare Rasaq Oloyede Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Oluwabusola Oluwayemi Adegbesan Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3329-5413 Eniola Akindele Department of Biology, National Open University of Nigeria, Abeokuta Study Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, where it significantly affects the physical, emotional, and social well-being of affected individuals. Despite advancements in medical care, many patients continue to face challenges related to disease management and societal perceptions. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences and management practices of individuals living with SCA in Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals living with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria using a structured online questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp support groups. Ethical approval was obtained from the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria. A voluntary participant recruitment approach was employed, and data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, disease experiences, pain triggers, and management practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Result: Out of 307 individuals contacted, 66 respondents completed the survey (21.5% response rate). Most respondents were female (69.6%), aged 31-40 years (51.5%), and had the HbSS genotype (72.7%). Frequent pain crises were reported by 42.4% of participants, while 69.7% stated that sickle cell disease had negatively affected their life pursuits. Societal discrimination was experienced by 68.1% of respondents. Malaria was the most commonly reported trigger of pain crises (34%), followed by stress and extremely cold weather. Medication was the most common management strategy (47.0%), while hospital visitation was the preferred approach during crises (59%). Conclusion: The study highlights the complex realities of living with SCA in Nigeria, characterized by frequent clinical complications, diverse management practices, and substantial psychosocial burdens. 8 14 2026 8 14 2026 57 66 10.15415/jmrh.2026.122005 https://jmrh.chitkara.edu.in/2026/experiences-and-management-practices-of-individuals-living-with-sickle-cell-anemia-in-nigeria/