Psychosocial Impact of Sickle Cell Disease on Adolescents at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State

Sickle cell disease (SCD) imposes a chronic burden on affected individuals that extends far beyond the physical domain, encompassing significant psychosocial consequences for adolescents during a critical developmental period. This study examines the psychosocial impact of SCD on adolescents attending the pediatric hematology unit at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design will recruit 140 adolescents aged 10 to 18 with confirmed SCD through consecutive sampling. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL) and the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS-C) will assess quality of life and depressive symptoms respectively. Pain crisis frequency, school absenteeism, family support, and peer relationships will be documented as contextual variables. Descriptive and inferential statistics including independent t-tests and multiple regression will be used. Literature from Northern Nigeria highlights that SCD adolescents face discrimination, restricted social participation, and academic underachievement. Findings will support the establishment of integrated psychosocial support services within the SCD program at AKTH. Keywords: sickle cell disease, psychosocial impact, adolescents, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, quality of life