Abstract:
Factors contributing to low use of HU among SCD patients exist in high-income countries.
The latter leaves a drift of literature on factors for low utilization of HU in developing countries. This
study aimed to explore the factors influencing the use of HU in the management of SCD in Tanzania.
A qualitative study was employed to interview purposively selected participants for this study. The
in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 parents of children with SCD, four medical doctors
working at sickle cell clinics, and two representatives of the national health insurance fund (NHIF).
Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Barriers identified were
misconception of parents on SCD, financial constraints, regulatory restrictions, worries and fears of
medical doctors on the acceptability of HU, shortages of laboratory equipment and consumables,
and limited availability of HU. Adequate knowledge of the parents and medical doctors on SCD and
HU and opportunities for HU accessibility were the facilitators identified. The utilization of HU by
the individual with SCD is affected by several factors, from individual to policy level. Nevertheless,
parents of children with SCD and medical doctors working in sickle cell clinics demonstrated good
knowledge of the diseases and HU.
