Helping young people with sickle cell disease manage pain through peer support and therapy
Official title: Peer suppoRt for adolescents and Emerging adults with Sickle cell pain: promoting ENgagement in Cognitive behavioral thErapy
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10951592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help Black teens and young adults with sickle cell disease manage their pain better by using support from peers and a special therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), all delivered through technology, to make it easier for them to cope with pain and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,531,103 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3HL165839-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black adolescents and young adults aged 16-30 who are living with sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 16-30 or those without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving pain management for Black adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease by utilizing peer support and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The study aims to address the stigma and challenges these individuals face while transitioning to adulthood, particularly during painful crises that often lead to hospitalizations. By implementing a personalized, technology-delivered version of CBT with the assistance of community-based organizations, the research seeks to enhance engagement and effectiveness of pain management strategies. Participants will be involved in a multisite, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of this approach on their pain and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for young people with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that technology-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective in managing pain and stress in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jonassaint, Charles Richard — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Jonassaint, Charles Richard
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.