Symbolic illustration of a path to a supportive health center for sickle cell anemia patients.

Sickle Cell Anemia Care: Are Primary Services Meeting Patient Needs?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how community health agents view access to care and the support available for individuals with sickle cell anemia in primary care settings."

Hemoglobin disorders, including sickle cell anemia, affect millions worldwide. Sickle cell anemia, a prevalent genetic condition, not only impacts individual health but also poses significant challenges for healthcare systems. In Brazil, where the condition is a recognized public health concern, ensuring adequate care is crucial. The variability of the disease, marked by periods of stability interspersed with acute crises, demands a comprehensive and responsive healthcare approach.

Primary health care, particularly through the Family Health Strategy in Brazil, plays a vital role in managing chronic conditions like sickle cell anemia. By focusing on health promotion and disease prevention, these strategies aim to improve the quality of life for affected individuals and reduce the burden on higher levels of care. Ideally, primary health teams act as the first point of contact, providing continuous monitoring and support throughout a patient's life.

Despite the importance of primary care, gaps persist in the knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals regarding sickle cell anemia. These gaps can hinder effective management and limit access to timely and appropriate care. To address these challenges, it's essential to understand the perspectives of those on the front lines—the community health agents who connect patients with the healthcare system.

What Barriers Do Sickle Cell Anemia Patients Face in Accessing Primary Care?

Symbolic illustration of a path to a supportive health center for sickle cell anemia patients.

A recent qualitative study explored the opinions of community health agents (CHAs) on access to and care delivery for individuals with sickle cell anemia in a municipality with a high prevalence of the disease. The study, conducted through focus groups with 14 CHAs, revealed significant insights into the challenges and shortcomings in the current system.

The study identified three key thematic categories:

Access of patients with sickle cell disease to the basic health unit
Care provided to patients with sickle cell disease
Home visits for patients with sickle cell disease

The first category, access to the basic health unit, highlighted that patients primarily seek care during acute episodes. CHAs noted a significant barrier preventing patients from seeking primary care, often leading them directly to secondary care units like blood centers. This barrier stems from a lack of knowledge and confidence among some primary care professionals in managing sickle cell anemia, coupled with families' preference for specialized care.

Moving Forward: Enhancing Primary Care for Sickle Cell Anemia

The study underscores the need for comprehensive educational strategies targeting both healthcare professionals and families. By improving knowledge and addressing misconceptions, we can enhance the quality of primary care services and promote better health outcomes for individuals with sickle cell anemia. Empowering community health agents with the necessary training and resources is crucial to bridging the gap between patients and the healthcare system.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Sickle Cell Anemia, and why is it a significant health concern?

Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic condition affecting millions globally, including a significant population in Brazil. It's characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to various health complications and crises. In Brazil, the disease's prevalence makes it a recognized public health concern, necessitating comprehensive care strategies.

How does primary health care, like the Family Health Strategy, impact individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia?

Primary health care, especially through the Family Health Strategy in Brazil, is crucial in managing chronic conditions such as Sickle Cell Anemia. It focuses on health promotion and disease prevention, aiming to improve the quality of life for those affected and reduce the burden on higher levels of care. Ideally, primary health teams, acting as the first point of contact, provide continuous monitoring and support.

What are the key challenges that patients with Sickle Cell Anemia encounter in accessing primary care?

Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia often face several challenges in accessing primary care. The study revealed that patients primarily seek care during acute episodes, often bypassing primary care and going directly to secondary care units. The lack of knowledge and confidence among some primary care professionals in managing Sickle Cell Anemia, coupled with families' preference for specialized care, creates significant barriers.

How do community health agents contribute to the care of individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia?

Community health agents (CHAs) play a crucial role in connecting patients with Sickle Cell Anemia to the healthcare system. A qualitative study explored the opinions of CHAs on access to and care delivery for individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia. They provide insights into the challenges within the current system and are essential in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare professionals. Their understanding of the patients' needs is invaluable.

What strategies are recommended to improve care and access for individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia?

To improve care for individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia, comprehensive educational strategies targeting both healthcare professionals and families are essential. Enhancing knowledge and addressing misconceptions can significantly improve the quality of primary care services. Empowering community health agents with necessary training and resources is also crucial for better healthcare access and management.