Self-Efficacy, Economic Stress, and Religiosity: Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects individuals across economically varied settings, where financial and psychosocial factors complicate disease management. Understanding how self-efficacy, economic stress, and religiosity influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is critical for developing effective interventions. This study explored these relationships in the context of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, using data from 443 participants from 19 countries. Self-efficacy positively predicted HRQoL, emphasising the importance of empowering individuals with SCD to manage their condition. The individual impact of the cost-of-living crisis was negatively associated with HRQoL, highlighting the need for economic support measures. Religiosity showed a negative association with HRQoL, challenging assumptions about its protective role in chronic disease management. These findings point to a need for interventions that enhance self-efficacy, address financial stressors, and consider the diverse psychosocial needs of SCD populations. This study contributes to the growing call for culturally sensitive, targeted approaches to improve HRQoL across economically diverse contexts.