Perceptions of Care and Perceived Discrimination: A Qualitative Assessment of Adults Living with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health concern with significant associated economic costs. Although the disease affects all ethnic groups, about 90% of individuals living with sickle cell disease in the USA are Black/African American. The purpose of this study was to assess the health care discrimination experiences of adults living with SCD and the quality of the relationship with their health care providers. We conducted six focus groups from October 2018 to March 2019 with individuals receiving care at a specialized adult sickle cell program outpatient clinic at a private, nonprofit tertiary medical center and teaching hospital in the northeastern USA. The sample of 18 participants consisted of groups divided by gender and current use, past use, or never having taken hydroxyurea. Ten (56%) participants were males; most were Black/African American (83%) and had an average age of 39.4 years. This study reports a qualitative, thematic analysis of two of 14 areas assessed by a larger study: experiences of discrimination and relationships with providers. Participants described experiences of bias related to their diagnosis of SCD as well as their race, and often felt stereotyped as “drug-seeking.” They also identified lack of understanding about SCD and poor communication as problematic and leading to delays in care. Finally, participants provided recommendations on how to address issues of discrimination.