Sickle cell anaemia and the experiences of young people living with the condition

This qualitative literature review examines the experiences of young people with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA). Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a condition acknowledged for its unpredictability, painful episodes and life threatening nature. The aim was to explore the impact SCA has on young people and the experiences they face. After reviewing potential articles found from the EBSCOhost platform, an inclusion and exclusion criteria was used and six appropriate studies were found with the majority of the participants in the 10-25 age range. However, one study had some participants in the early childhood and another had some of the sample in the young adult age range. These articles concentrated on the UK and North America instead of a broader international experience. The critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) was then used to evaluate the articles found. Thematic analysis identified three themes: acceptance, support and unpredictability, with subthemes of spirituality and discrimination. It was clear that SCA affected multiple areas of young peoples’ lives, and health professionals need to consider young people’s views. The terms Sickle Cell Anaemia and Sickle Cell Disease are used interchangeably throughout this review