A recent study has revealed alarming disparities in preventive care for children with sickle cell anemia, a genetic condition primarily affecting African Americans. Dr. Ashaunta Anderson, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, led research examining Medicaid claims data from California and Georgia between 2010 and 2019.
The findings showed that only one in five children aged 3 months to 5 years with sickle cell anemia received daily antibiotics to prevent infections, and just half of children and adolescents aged 2 to 15 underwent yearly brain scans to assess stroke risk.
These preventive measures are crucial for managing sickle cell disease, which affects an estimated 100,000 individuals in the U.S. and occurs in about one in 365 African American births. The condition causes painful joints and can lead to life-threatening complications, including stroke.
Dr. Anderson suggests that limited access to healthcare facilities, financial constraints, and transportation issues contribute to the lack of preventive care. She also points to racial factors, noting that the painful history of medical mistreatment of African Americans may lead to distrust and avoidance of the healthcare system.
To address these disparities, Dr. Anderson recommends increased education for healthcare providers and families, improved Medicaid quality benchmarks, and tailored quality improvement programs in clinics and hospitals. These initiatives could include assistance with transportation costs, simplified prescription processes, and community health worker support.
The study underscores the urgent need for action to ensure high-quality care for children with sickle cell disease and highlights the persistent racial disparities in the U.S. healthcare system.
See “Too Many Kids With Sickle Cell Disease Aren’t Getting Appropriate Preventive Care” (August 26, 2024)
