Pharmacotherapeutic adherence in outpatient care of people with sickle cell disease

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the treatment adherence of people with sickle cell disease followed up at a blood center in the northern region of Minas Gerais. Methods: Observational, descriptive study, conducted from the evaluation of medical records and application of questionnaires to 70 patients with sickle cell disease, with subsequent descriptive statistical analysis. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: Among the sample, 57.1% were female and 55.7% were up to 17 years old. 78.6% lived between 101 and 400 km from the blood center and 74.3% reported needing to be taken from the city hall to access the health service. Regarding the genetic profile, the diagnosis of sickle cell anemia (homozygous) represented 72.9%. Folic acid was frequently prescribed (92.9%) and all participants aged up to 5 years were using penicillin. Respondents reported using hydroxyurea (35.7%) and iron chelators (11.4%). 27.1% revealed having some difficulty in the treatment, being 78.4% related to obtaining the medication. The analysis of treatment adherence detected a high or medium score in 97.1% of respondents. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is conformity between the assistance provided and the established protocols, with a high rate of adherence. However, patients still face obstacles that hamper therapy.