Mindfulness and stress-management program for adults with sickle cell disease
RCT of Stress Management and Mindfulness Intervention for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
This program will try a six-week mindfulness and stress-management course to see if it improves quality of life for adults with sickle cell disease who live near Philadelphia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT07316478 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
After consenting and completing baseline questionnaires, adults with sickle cell disease are randomly assigned to start the six-week program right away or to a waitlist control that begins after six weeks. The intervention consists of six weekly one-hour group sessions delivered in person at the University of Pennsylvania or via Zoom and includes cognitive-behavioral techniques, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness meditation. Symptom and quality-of-life measures are collected at baseline and after the initial six-week period, and the waitlist group completes the same measures before they receive the intervention. Participants with severe depression or active suicidality are excluded and enrollment is limited to those living within about 90 minutes of Philadelphia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) diagnosed with sickle cell disease who live within about 90 minutes of Philadelphia, can attend weekly group sessions in person or by Zoom, and do not have severe depression or active suicidality.
Not a fit: People with severe depression or current suicidal thoughts are excluded, and individuals who live too far from Philadelphia or cannot attend scheduled sessions are unlikely to participate or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce stress, improve coping skills, and lead to better quality of life for people with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have performed: Mindfulness and CBT-based programs have shown promising but mixed benefits for pain, stress, and quality of life in chronic pain populations and some sickle cell studies, so this approach is supported by prior work but not definitively proven for SCD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older. * Diagnosed with sickle cell disease. * Live within 90 minutes of Philadelphia Exclusion Criteria: \- Severe depression or suicidality
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa G Hunt, PhD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Melissa G Hunt, PhD
- Email: mhunt@psych.upenn.edu
- Phone: 610-529-8055
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.