Nusantara Journal of Behavioral and Social Science
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024)

The psychological experience of sickle cell disease in a Cameroonian adolescent living with her grandparents

Nsangou, Hassan Njifon (Unknown)
Mboe, Gustave Georges (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 May 2024

Abstract

Sickle cell disease, the most widespread genetic disorder globally, is characterized by chronic and painful crises and high treatment costs, particularly in the Sub-Saharan African context where the disease is often associated with imminent death. This study aims to understand the experiences of an adolescent in Cameroon living with this disease and residing with her grandparents. Through in-depth interviews, we reveal how therapy non-compliance—particularly evident in medication delays—and the ambivalent behavior of her grandparents impact her disease management. The grandparents exhibit behaviors that are sometimes overprotective and at times aggressive, which not only affect how this adolescent understands and manages her condition but also hinder the process of subjectivation of her disease. These findings highlight the need to provide a space for grandparents to express their understanding of their granddaughter's illness and to assume their role in the care process. This study extends our understanding of family dynamics in managing sickle cell disease and demonstrates the importance of supporting grandparents as crucial resources in healthcare within this context.

Copyrights © 2024






Journal Info

Abbrev

njbss

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Public Health Social Sciences Other

Description

Nusantara Journal of Behavioral and Social Science (NJBSS) targets all the current and future prospective of research in the behavioral and social sciences. The journal accepts all types of articles such as research articles, case reports, reviews, commentary and short communications etc., ...