Reproductive decisions in people with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait.
In the context of an inherited condition such as sickle cell disease (SCD), it is critical to understand how people with SCD or carriers (sickle cell trait [SCT]) face the challenges of making informed reproductive health decisions. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the beliefs, attitudes, and personal feelings of people with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait related to making informed reproductive health decisions. Three focus groups were conducted with a total of 15 people who had either SCD or SCT. Five themes were identified: health-related issues in sickle cell disease, testing for sickle cell trait, partner choice, sharing sickle cell status with partners, and reproductive options. These findings enhance understanding of the reproductive experiences in people with SCD and SCT and provide the groundwork for developing an educational intervention focused on making informed decisions about becoming a parent.
Gallo
Agatha M
AM
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. agallo@uic.edu
Wilkie
Diana
D
Suarez
Marie
M
Labotka
Richard
R
Molokie
Robert
R
Thompson
Alexis
A
Hershberger
Patricia
P
Johnson
Bonnye
B
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006304:Health Status; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011336:Probability; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012805:Sickle Cell Trait / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006454:Hemoglobins