TITLE:
Determinants of the Ophthalmological Follow-Up of Sickle Cell Patients at the National Center of Research and Care for Sickle Cell Patients in Lome-Togo
AUTHORS:
Nidain Maneh, Yawa Edebah Nagbe, Mawuli Ayodele Komi Santos, Dadjo Amouzou, Hezouwe Magnang, Koffi Sylvain Kawilitetou, Kokou Messan Amedome, Komi Patrice Balo
KEYWORDS:
Ophthalmological Follow-Up, Sickle Cell Patient, Ocular Complications, Lome
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ophthalmology,
Vol.13 No.4,
November
10,
2023
ABSTRACT: Objectives: To assess the factors influencing the ophthalmological follow-up of
sickle cell patients in Togo. Materials and Methods: The national center
of research and care for sickle cell patients (CNRSD) served as study setting.
It was a descriptive and analytical study by interview over a three-month
period from December 01, 2020 to March
02, 2021. Was included in the study, any patient with sickle cell disease
genotype SS or SC, age ≥ 17 years, regularly followed at the CNRSD and having
accepted the interview by a survey sheet. Excluded were patients with sickle
cell trait genotype AS or AC or with a disability that prevented them from
being interviewed. Results: Two hundred and fifty (250) patients with
sickle cell disease were interviewed. The mean age was 29.1 years ± 11.12 years
[17 years; 67 years] and the sex ratio = 0.52. Nine patients over ten (9/10)
attended at least secondary school. The jobless represented 25.60% of the total
population followed respectively by students and laborers in 20.40% and 16% of
cases. Twenty-four percent (24%) of patients were followed up in ophthalmology
department. Statistically, there was no significant relationship between level
of education (p = 0.4083), occupation (p = 0.6441) and knowledge of the ocular
complications of sickle cell disease. Statistically, there was a significant
relationship between knowledge of the ocular complications of sickle cell
disease and compliance with ophthalmological follow-up (p = 0.0009). Conclusion: The knowledge of eye disorders related to sickle cell disease by patients with
sickle cell disease improves their ophthalmological follow-up. Greater
awareness on eye disorders related to sickle cell disease by medical staff
towards patients with sickle cell disease would improve ophthalmological
follow-up.