Evaluation of Suicidal Risk in Sickle Cell Patients Monitored at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center in Cotonou in 2022

Introduction: According to the WHO, suicide is a real public health problem worldwide, and several risk factors have been identified, including pain and chronic illness. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the suicidal risk in sickle-cell patients. Method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of sickle-cell patients followed up at the University Clinic of Blood Diseases of Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center from August 2022 to November 2022. The instrument used was the Ducher suicide risk self-assessment scale. Results: A total of 65 patients were included. Mean age was 27.04 ± 1.95 years, with extremes of 16 and 50 years, and a peak of 47.69% in the 20 - 30 age group. Women predominated (58.46%), with a sex ratio of 0.71. Somatic complaints accounted for 41.54% of patients’ visits, including 21.54% for pain. Suicidal risk was positive in 44.62%, including 13.85% for severe suicidal risk, and 20% attributed their desire to die to pain. The factor associated with positive suicidal risk was single parenthood (p = 0.02). Of those with a positive suicidal risk, 46% had shared the intention with close relatives (family and friends), but none had used medical services. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the high prevalence of suicidal risk among people with sickle cell disease, and therefore the need for psychosocial intervention in this specific population in Benin.