Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42566418›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

"Heartbreak and Frustration'' experiences of healthcare providers caring for pregnant women with sickle cell disease in Uganda.

Jackline Akello, Annettee Nakimuli, Grace Ndeezi, Musa Sekikubo, Ian Munabi, Ruth Namazzi, Deogratias Munube, David Mukunya, Francis Pebalo, Kenneth Mugabe and 3 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Jackline AkelloDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5760-9031
Annettee NakimuliDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2806-0243
Grace NdeeziDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Musa SekikuboDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Ian MunabiDepartment of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Ruth NamazziDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Deogratias MunubeDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1312-6804
David MukunyaBusitema University, Mbale, Uganda.
Francis PebaloDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.
Kenneth MugabeDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale, Uganda.
Savio MwakaInfectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7600-7722
Sarah KiguliDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Joseph RujumbaDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Funding

Enhancing Research capacity for Sickle Cell Disease and related NCDs across the Lifespan in Uganda. ''Enrich Project''D43TW012466 · FIC · MAKERERE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES · PI Sarah Kiguli · 2023 to 2026
$982k
FIC NIH HHS D43 TW012466
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionSickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy that poses significant risks during pregnancy, leading to increased maternal complications such as Vaso-occlusive crises, acute chest syndrome, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and perinatal complications such as preterm births, low birthweights and mortality. The complexities surrounding the management of SCD extend beyond the clinical symptoms and require a comprehensive understanding of the social, emotional, and systemic factors that influence patient outcomes. While existing research has largely focused on the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of SCD in pregnancy, little is known about the perspectives of frontline healthcare providers in resource-limited settings.

objectiveTo explore the experiences of healthcare providers in managing pregnant women with sickle cell disease.

methodsA qualitative approach with phenomenological research design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to gather insights from healthcare providers at a regional and national referral hospital. Participants included obstetricians, midwives, and general practitioners working in maternity departments. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and patterns.

resultsThe study identified several themes based on various health system building blocks and the different levels of the Behavioural Ecological Framework. Individual-level themes included knowledge gaps and awareness, fear and anxiety related to managing a pregnant woman with SCD, and emotional and psychological distress. Community-level influences consisted of religious beliefs, cultural beliefs, as well as myths and misconceptions. At the health systems level, key themes encompassed diagnostic challenges, shortages of critical supplies, lack of management guidelines, and the absence of multidisciplinary and specialized services.

conclusionA multidisciplinary approach that integrates clinical expertise, patient education, and healthcare system reforms is essential for improving maternal and neonatal health in pregnant women with SCD.

Indexed as

Anemia, Sickle CellHealth PersonnelPregnancy Complications, HematologicAdultFemaleFocus GroupsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansObstetriciansPregnancyUgandaVaso-Occlusive Crises

Identifiers

PMID42566418
PMCPMC13450732

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.