Adherence to Hydroxyurea Therapy for Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia in Tanzania: Evidence from Bugando Medical Centre.

Abstract

Hydroxyurea is effective in reducing the severity of Sickle cell anemia (SCA) symptoms, yet adherence remains challenging, particularly in resource-limited settings. Bugando Medical Centre, a major healthcare provider, faces undocumented adherence issues among its pediatric SCA patients. This study aims to evaluate the adherence rate to hydroxyurea therapy among caregivers of children with SCA at Bugando Medical Centre and identify factors contributing to non-adherence. This analytical cross-sectional study involved 172 participants. Data were analyzed using Stata version 15 and modified Poisson regression determined the association between exposures and adherence to hydroxyurea treatment. More than half (68.6%) of the children were aged between 1 and 10 years, with a median age of 8 years (IQR: 5-12). Good adherence to hydroxyurea was observed in 23.8% of participants, while 76.2% showed moderate to poor adherence. Children aged 1-10 years were twice as likely to have good adherence compared to those aged 11-17 years (aPR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.18, 7.47). Children of caregivers with secondary education had a 41% higher chance of good adherence (aPR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.19, 2.87) compared to those with primary education. Additionally, children of caregivers with college/university education had a 92% higher chance of good adherence (aPR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.09, 4.63) compared to those with primary education. Participants with good knowledge of hydroxyurea had a 55% higher chance of good adherence (aPR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.10, 4.78) compared to those with poor knowledge. Factors such as the child's age and caregiver's educational level are associated with good adherence to hydroxyurea treatment. Despite these associations, overall adherence rates are low, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance knowledge and awareness about the importance of adherence to hydroxyurea treatment.