Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders characterized by presence of abnormal hemoglobin resulting in formation of hard and sticky C-shaped red cells and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.” People with SCD can live full lives and enjoy most of the activities that other people do provided the they adhere to the standard of treatment. Hence the need to the study Factors Affecting the Adherence to Standard Treatment Guidelines of Sickle Cell Disease in The Upper East Region.

Method The researcher employed a descriptive cross -sectional study design, data for this research was collected from health care providers using a close-ended questionnaire randomly selected hospitals, health centers and CHPS centers, out of the 400 administered, 338 respondents returned complete responses. Statistical analysis was conducted using Graph Pad Prism version 5 and Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 and Microsoft Excel for graphs. The quantitative data collected was checked and screened for completeness and accuracy on a daily basis. Data was coded, doubly entered, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science software for Windows, version 26. Qualitative aspect will be analyzed using Thematic areas in accordance with objectives of the study.

 Results: The mean age of respondents (HCP) was 39.55, most were in the age brackets of 31-40. There was a significant association between those who were employed and the unemployed with a P< 0.001. Frequency of sick falls, having active NHIS, and income level were statistically significant in influencing adherence to treatment guidelines among respondents.  71% of regional hospital healthcare providers were conducting regular SCD screenings, 51% screening in the remaining health facilities, 67% of the staff of the regional hospital had specialized SCD clinics,  35% in the other facilities having designated days for SCD clients’ services and only 8(11%) from CHPS compounds. While 32% had support from HCP, 116(42%) rated the support as poor. Hydroxyurea prescription was limited to only the regional hospital.  57% of respondents were diagnosed of the condition during their sick period and only 18% and 4% were through routine screening and mass screening respectively. 117(64%) had support systems for SCD treatment. 41% had knowledge on their condition and management, 32% were knowledgeable, and 76(27%) were not knowledgeable. 195(71%) did not allow misconception and stigma to affect their adherence.  (31%) placed financial restrictions first.

Conclusion: The findings of this study has uncovered the factors affecting adherence to standard SCD Treatment Guidelines of SCD Patients in the Upper East Region and Ghana at large.