Anthropometric Indices, Perceived Body Image and Risk of Psychopathology among Adolescents with Sickle Cell Anaemia in a Teaching Hospital, Lagos.

Abstract

Sickle cell anaemia(SCA) is an important haemoglobinopathy in West Africa with associated variants of health complications including impaired growth and development with associated distorted bidy image. A cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out in a sample of adolescents with SCA attending the haematology clinic of Lagos taeching hospital. A socio-demographic Questionnaire was administered on the subjects and question-items to elicit their perception of self body image. Appropriate anhtropometic measurements were carried out on them and they were also screened for possible presence of psychopathologies/psychological distress using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). One hundred and thirty six (136) adolescents with SCA and age/sex-matched apparently healthy controls were studied. the subjects were of equal sex distribution and with mean age of 14.3±2.8 years. The anthropometric indices of weight, height and Body Mass Index (BMI) were significantlt lower among the SCA subjects compared with the controls. Seventy-five (55.1%) subjects compared to 17 )12.5%) controls were dissatisfied with their body build (image) with significant difference of Χ² = 55.3, df=1 and p=0.00. Again greater number of subjects, 113 (83.1%) compared to 25 (18.4%) of controls were likely to develop psychological distress as screened wuth GHQ with significant difference of Χ² = 113.9, df=1 and p=0.00. It is concluded that significant percentage of sampled adolescents with SCA had lower anthropometirc indices, poor self image and greater risk of psychopathology/psychological distress compared to controls. It is therefore advocated for the adequate nutritioan and general health-care measures for subjects with SCA so as to enhance their well being and reduce risk of psychopathology.

Keywords: Sickle Cell Anaemia; Body Image; Anthropometric Indices; Risk of Psychopathology; Lagos.