1PhD scholar (Public Health), Noida International University, India. Email: abhishekdadhich26@gmail.com
2Assistant Professor (Public Health), Noida International University, India
Corresponding Author: Abhishek Dadhich, PhD scholar (Public Health), Noida International University, India. Email: abhishekdadhich26@gmail.com
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin, characterized by the formation of long chains of hemoglobin when deoxygenated within capillary beds, resulting in sickle-shaped red blood cells, progressive multiorgan damage, and increased mortality. Patients with SCD suffer from numerous complications, including acute and chronic pain and end-organ dysfunction, which require rigorous clinical follow-up and intervention to prevent deterioration of health. In SCD, the burden of managing a chronic illness experiences racial disparities, and other socioeconomic factors like income, education, employment, and health literacy affect health outcomes and quality of life. Thus, the review is conducted to know the depth of the socioeconomic inequalities influencing access to health systems regarding SCD. This is done via the narrative review type. Therefore, as a narrative review, the aim is to investigate the existing studies for the objective of socioeconomic inequalities affecting access to health systems and care for individuals with SCD. Research problems include a lack of access to essential medicines, insufficient pain management, and insufficient specialized care. The issues are compounded by poverty, a poor health care system, and social isolation. As a whole, exploring inequities in SCD treatment is essential from both a clinical and social perspective to deliver full access to health coverage and provide high-quality living conditions for individuals diagnosed with this disease.
Keywords: Sickle Cell Disease, Health system access, Socio-economic inequalities, Poverty, Income, and Social Determinants.
How to cite this article: Dadhich A, Lenka AK. Socioeconomic Inequalities and Health System Access in Sickle Cell Disease: A Narrative Review of Global Evidence. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(12s): 281-291. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.30
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None