Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2022
Publisher
SAGE
Source Publication
Qualitative Health Research
Source ISSN
1049-7323
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1177/10497323221094143
Abstract
Adults living with sickle cell disease are at risk for experiencing severe illness from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to the complexity of their disease. Additionally, self-management and navigating the healthcare system may be challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we conducted telephone interviews with 25 participants to explore the experiences of Black adults living with sickle cell disease during the early months of the pandemic in the United States. Three overarching themes characterize their experiences: management of sickle cell disease was further complicated by the pandemic, fear of the virus contributed to physical and social isolation, and employment and financial challenges affected well-being. The pandemic contributed to changes in health care maintenance and had a disproportionate impact on this population. Addressing social and structural determinants of health and disruptions in health care accessibility is critical to advancing health and health care equity for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
Recommended Citation
Matthie, Nadine; Clayton-Jones, Dora L.; and Jenerette, Coretta, "“Into the Lion’s Den”: COVID-19 Experiences of Black Adults with Sickle Cell Disease" (2022). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 1042.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/1042
Comments
Accepted version. Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 32, No. 8-9 (July 2022): 1328-1341. DOI. © The Authors. Used with permission.