Helping young people with sickle cell disease manage their health better

Self-Management for Youth Living with Sickle Cell Disease (SMYLS)

NIH-funded research Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11009032

This study is all about helping teens and young adults with sickle cell disease learn to take better care of themselves as they grow up, using a mobile app that provides helpful tools and resources during their transition to adult healthcare.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009032 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving self-management skills for adolescents and young adults living with sickle cell disease (SCD). It aims to develop a comprehensive model that includes tools and resources to help these individuals manage their condition effectively, especially during the transition from pediatric to adult care. The study will test a mobile health intervention designed to enhance self-management behaviors and assess how patient engagement influences these behaviors. By addressing the challenges faced by young patients, the research seeks to reduce negative health outcomes associated with SCD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 25 who are living with sickle cell disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with sickle cell disease or are outside the age range of 12 to 25 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower young patients with sickle cell disease to better manage their health, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mobile health interventions can be effective in improving self-management behaviors in chronic disease populations, suggesting a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

Charleston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.