Prevalence and Factors 22 .pdf - 2.0 CHAPTER TWO: STUDY...

2.0 CHAPTER TWO: STUDY JUSTIFICATION, RESEARCH
QUESTIONS AND STUDY OBJECTIVES
2.1 Study Justification
The magnitude of SCD in Kenya is experienced in malaria endemic regions of coastal and
western Kenya, with high prevalence rates of up to 17.1% in Western Kenya. New advances
in managing patients with SCD in the last thirty years have transformed SCD from a severe
illness of childhood to a chronic lifelong condition with increased life-expectancy into
adulthood in developed countries. Early screening and improved medical services is rapidly
taking shape in the Sub-Saharan countries such as Kenya which is contributing to improved
survival of these children into their late adolescence. Consequently, these adolescents must
transition from paediatric to adult services.
Transition from paediatric to adult services for adolescents with SCD happens to coincide
with adolescence, a vulnerable period in life characterized by both physical and psychosocial
changes. This is a double tragedy as they have to battle with challenges attributed to the
adolescent phase and SCD itself. This can be wearing to most of these adolescents and can