Using peer support to help young people with sickle cell disease manage pain through 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-11191065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help Black teens and young adults with sickle cell disease, ages 16-30, manage their pain better by combining support from peers with a special type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy, all delivered through technology to make it easier and more personal for them.
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) | $351,124 |
| NIH project number | 3UH3HL165839-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11191065 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 and experiencing pain crises.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 16-30 or those not diagnosed with 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 (ages 16-30) by utilizing peer support in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The study aims to address the stigma and challenges faced by these individuals, particularly during their transition to adulthood. By implementing a personalized, technology-delivered version of CBT, the research seeks to enhance engagement and effectiveness in managing pain and stress. Participants will receive support through community-based organizations, making the intervention more accessible and tailored to their needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve pain management and overall well-being 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 similar populations, indicating a promising approach for this study.
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.