Sickle Cell Disease and Population Quality of Life: A Literature Review

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary genetic disorder characterized by the deformation of red blood cells, causing vascular obstruction, recurrent painful crises, and damage to vital organs. As a chronic condition, it significantly affects patients' quality of life, with physical, emotional, social, and economic repercussions. This study aimed to analyze, through scientific literature, the impacts of sickle cell disease on the population's quality of life, identifying its clinical consequences, limitations in daily activities, and care strategies aimed at promoting well-being. This is an integrative literature review with a descriptive and exploratory nature and a qualitative approach, conducted in September 2025 using the Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, and CAPES Journal Portal databases, applying DeCS and MeSH descriptors and Boolean operators. The findings showed that the disease compromises quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, physical limitations, emotional distress, and difficulties in social and professional integration. Limited access to healthcare services, combined with prejudice and misinformation, contributes to worsening patients' living conditions. Family, psychological, and community support, together with health education, proved essential for adaptation and coping with the disease. Sickle cell disease requires multidisciplinary follow-up, with nursing playing a key role in preventing complications, promoting self-care, and strengthening treatment adherence. Furthermore, effective public policies are essential to expand access to healthcare services and improve the quality of life of this population.