Understanding patient-related barriers to hydroxyurea use among adolescent and adult patients with sickle cell disease in Mulago and Kiruddu hospitals, Uganda, a qualitative study

Abstract

Implementing the use of HU has been challenging in Uganda and needs improvement. Facilitators to hydroxyurea use have been highlighted, though Patient-identified barriers at individual, facility, and community levels that need to be resolved. The experiences and insights shared by our participants provide invaluable guidance for increasing the uptake of HU. Further studies are needed to establish validated instruments to assess patients' pain communication and adherence to the HU regimen.