Integration of e-Health Education in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease at Lagos University Teaching Hospital

The integration of digital platforms into disease management education presents an opportunity to improve outcomes among patients living with chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease. This study examined the integration of electronic health education in the management of sickle cell disease at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with 150 adult sickle cell disease patients attending the haematology outpatient clinic. Data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaires assessing engagement with electronic health education tools, knowledge of disease management, and self-care practices. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were applied. Results showed that 63 percent of respondents owned smartphones and expressed strong interest in receiving disease management education via mobile applications and online platforms. Patients who had accessed electronic health education materials reported better knowledge of pain crisis triggers, hydration management, and when to seek emergency care. However, digital literacy barriers among older patients and the absence of institution-endorsed mobile platforms limited uptake. Health educators were largely not involved in digital content development. The study recommended that the hospital's haematology team partner with qualified health educators to design and deploy structured electronic health education programmes for sickle cell disease patients. Keywords: e-health education, sickle cell disease, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, digital health, chronic disease management