• Lesley G King, Susanna Bortolusso Ali, Susan M Chang, Marvin E Reid, and Deanne P Soares.
• Sickle Cell Unit, Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
• J Natl Med Assoc. 2023 Oct 1; 115 (5): 475481475-481.

ObjectiveChildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neurocognitive deficits that can affect school performance, and psychosocial functioning. The aim of this study was to assess the academic performance of school-aged children with SCD in Jamaica compared to their school peers.MethodA cross-sectional survey of academic performance was done in a group of children 11 to 13 years of age, using a standardized state administered examination, the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), covering 5 subjects. Scores were obtained from the Ministry of Education (MOE) for eligible children with SCD, as well as mean scores with standard deviation for unaffected classmates by gender. Socio-demographic and clinical data were obtained from our sickle cell clinic database and an interview administered questionnaire.ResultsSixty-four children satisfied eligibility criteria. Children with SCD had lower percentage scores and significantly lower mean z-scores for 4 of 5 subjects (p < 0.05). Males had significantly lower mean z-scores compared with females. Thirty-seven children (57.8%) were classified as underperformers. Haemoglobin level was a significant predictor of subject score rank.ConclusionChildren with SCD in Jamaica perform worse in standardized school examinations than their class peers with boys being particularly vulnerable.Copyright © 2023 National Medical Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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