TITLE:
Prevalence and Determinants Linked with Impaired Lung Function in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Compared with Non-Sickle Cell Disease: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Dodoma, Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Tatu Seif Mbotoni, Shakilu Jumanne, Dina Mahamba
KEYWORDS:
Children, Sickle Cell, Impaired Lung Functions
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.4,
April
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Tanzania, which has the fourth highest prevalence of SCD globally, are at risk of recurrent lung injuries leading to impaired lung function. This study seeks to determine the prevalence and contributing factors of impaired lung function in children with SCD compared to those without the disease. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 examined 115 children aged 6 - 18 years, with 59 having sickle cell disease (SCD) and 56 without. Data was gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire, and lung function was assessed using spirometry, with impairment marked by values below the predicted lower limit of normal. Blood tests for hemoglobin level and electrophoresis were conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, utilizing binary logistic regression to identify factors linked to lung function impairment, with p Result: Out of 115 participants, 61 (53.04%) were females, with a mean age of 9.67 ± 3.07. In the SCD group, females comprised 35 (53.38%) with a mean age of 9.39 ± 3.04, while in the non-SCD group, males were predominant (30, 55.56%) with a mean age of 9.95 ± 3.09. Impaired lung function was found in 52.5% of children with SCD and 10.72% of those without. Significant factors associated with impaired lung function included low blood pressure, older age, age at starting SCD clinic, and fetal hemoglobin levels below 10%. Conclusion: Lung function impairment is common among Tanzanian children with sickle cell disease (SCD), primarily exhibiting a restrictive pattern. Protective factors include low blood pressure, while contributing factors are older age, the age at which sickle cell clinics are initiated, and low fetal hemoglobin levels.