Socioeconomically and health conditions of families affected by sickle cell disease

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease characterized by the change in red blood cells, making them look like a half moon. The research aimed to show the socioeconomic conditions of families with sickle cell disease living in the Negros do Riacho quilombola community, in the municipality of Currais Novos, Rio Grande do Norte. A quantitative quali approach was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted at the participants' home, after the signing of the ICF. The results showed that the proportion of women is higher than that of men. Those who are between the ages of 26 and 35 are 38.8%. Most are married, have primary school and earn up to a minimum wage. The water consumed does not receive any treatment. It comes exclusively from well. As there is no public collection of garbage, it is deposited in the open and only 5.6%, incinerated. Only 11.2% of the patients have already done or do some type of treatment. It is concluded that there is a relation between socioeconomic conditions and the incidence and prevalence of sickle cell anemia. Financial and logistic support is suggested for the development of studies / diagnoses in this community, alerting the authorities to intervene continuously and systematically in the prevention, treatment and control of sickle cell anemia.