PSYCHIATRIC COMPLICATIONS OF HOMOZYGOUS SICKLE-CELL DISEASE AMONG YOUNG-ADULTS IN THE JAMAICAN COHORT STUDY

Background This study aimed to determine the prevalence oi-psychiatric disorder in young adults with homzygous sickle cell (SS) disease and in controls with normal haemoglobin, and to examine factors associated with psychiatric disorder. Method The study design was cross-sectiona l. Subjects were aged 18-20 years: 63 with SS disease and 89 controls. The Psychiatric Assessment Schedule was used to determine psychiatric disorder at Index of Definition level 5. Results Psychiatric disorder was identified in 18 (29%) SS disease patients and in 22 (25%) contro ls. in SS patients, psychiatric disorder was not related to illness se verity but was associated with leaving school early, difficulties in s ocial adjustment, impaired cognitive function and having previous psyc hiatric difficulties. Male SS patients with psychiatric disorder all h ad low body mass index (BMI < 17.60). In controls, psychiatric disorde r was associated with female gender, unemployment and difficulties in social adjustment. Conclusions The prevalence of psychiatric disorder was similar in patients and controls, although associated factors tend ed to be different. The association with low BMI in SS men merits furt her study.