Families of children with sickle cell disease: an integrative review

Aim: To identify scientific evidence about families of children with sickle cell disease. Method: An integrative review of the search used the following descriptors: anemia sickle cell; hemoglobin SC disease; hemoglobin sickle; family; family relations; and, child. The search was carried out for literature in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The search used databases such as MEDLINE, LILACS, CINAHL, and PubMed, and looked for articles published between January 2005 and January 2015. Results: There were 16 articles selected that originated the following thematic categories: the impact of sickle cell disease on the family, psychosocial effects on family dynamics, child’s quality of life, and family and social support/support networks. Discussion: The studies report that the family remains the main provider of care for children with sickle cell disease, and that families faces challenges in achieving comprehensive care and fighting for their children’s quality of life. Conclusion: This evidence will provide support for multi-professional teams in the construction of continuous care for the families of children who are sickle cell patients. Descriptors: Anemia, Sickle Cell; Hemoglobin, Sickle; Family; Pediatric Nursing.