Knowledge and Perceptions of the Healthcare Providers Related to Sickle Cell Disease: A Qualitative Study from Chhotaudepur District of Gujarat.

Background: Healthcare providers' knowledge and perceptions significantly influence the quality of the treatment provided to the patients and thereby, effective implementation of healthcare programs. Hence, this study attempted to explore the knowledge and perceptions of the healthcare providers related to Sickle Cell Disease and effectiveness of the interventions.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted during evaluation phase of the quasi-experimental study at Chhotaudepur district, Gujarat. It included 26 healthcare providers of four cadres, namely peripheral health workers (PHWs), lab technicians (LTs), pharmacists, and medical officers (MOs) from two intervention Primary Health Centres. Data was collected through in-depth interviews.

Results: Most of the respondents were aware of the correct cause, etiology, and symptoms of SCD. They had knowledge of management as well, although it was mainly focused on symptomatic treatment delivered through this intervention study. Respondents shared that the disease can be prevented by mass screening, awareness generation, and counselling. Almost all respondents unanimously believed that this intervention study had positive impacts on community by establishing three tier screening mechanism and strengthening health system capacities.

Conclusion: Study findings revealed adequate knowledge and positive attitude among healthcare providers related to SCD. They also perceived positive impacts of the interventions on the community in terms of improved knowledge, and awareness related to SCD diagnosis and treatment. Thus, it underscores the significance of knowledge and positive attitude in the primary healthcare providers to deal with the burden of the disease on the ground level.