EFFECTS OF A BRIEF PSYCHOEDUCATION INTERVENTION ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: Globally, Nigeria has the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD), a hematological disorder associated with a heavy burden on the sufferers and their families. Symptoms of SCD include a wide range of physiological, neuro-cognitive, and psychological comorbidities, and a higher risk for maladjustment in almost every area of daily functioning. Little is known about the burden of depression and treatment options for the condition among adolescents with SCD. This intervention study was carried out among adolescents with sickle cell disease in two hospitals in Ibadan. It aimed at determining the prevalence of depressive disorders in adolescents diagnosed with sickle cell disease and at evaluating the effects of a brief psychoeducation intervention on their depressive symptoms. Methodology: A two-stage design was used to select participants for the study. The first stage included eighty-six adolescents with sickle cell disease attending the two hospitals while the second stage consisted of 21 adolescents with Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) scores of 13 or greater. Semi-structured self-administered questionnaires were used to elicit information on socio-demographics and family variables while BDI and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire were used for depression and satisfaction respectively. Eleven adolescents out of this group were exposed to a brief psychoeducation intervention while others had no intervention. Evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the intervention was done six weeks after intervention. The association between depression and socio-demographic and family variables was tested using the Chi-square test. The difference in BDI scores between the intervention and control groups pre-and post-intervention was tested using the independent samples t-test. Results: The prevalence of depression was 25.6% and the mean BDI score was 7.31(SD =7.6). There was no significant association between depression and socio-demographic variables. At baseline, the mean BDI score was significantly higher among the intervention group (21.2, SD = 6.7) than for controls (14.6, SD = 3.7) (P = 0.013). However post-intervention, the intervention group had a lower mean score (5.3, SD = 3.6) compared to controls (14.3 (3.7) (p <0.001). The mean BDI scores for participants in the intervention group reduced by 15.9 compared to 1.1 in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: A brief psychoeducation is effective in the treatment of depression among adolescents with SCD. Psychoeducation therapy is recommended to reduce suffering and disability among adolescents with SCD.