QUALITY OF LIFE AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE: CHALLENGES AND IMPACTS OF HOSPITALIZATION

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent genetic disorder worldwide, often associated with prolonged and recurrent hospitalizations. Due to disease exacerbations and clinical manifestations, affected individuals experience a significant reduction in quality of life (QoL), characterized by sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, social isolation, chronic pain, movement limitations, and functional impairment. Objective: To assess the QoL of hospitalized patients diagnosed with SCD and correlate it with functional capacity and length of hospital stay. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study conducted with patients hospitalized at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Goiás (HC/UFG), in Goiânia, Brazil. Data collection included a structured disease-specific form, clinical data, vital signs, the two-minute step test (TME2), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life – WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire. Results: The sample consisted of 23 participants of both sexes, with a mean age of 23.52 years. The average QoL score was 56.12 ± 20.94. No significant correlations were observed between QoL, functional capacity, and length of hospitalization. Conclusion: The QoL of hospitalized patients with SCD was found to be unsatisfactory and showed no association with functional capacity or hospital stay duration.