Smartphone mindfulness program for pain and sleep in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease

Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Pain and Sleep in Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

NA · University of Illinois at Chicago · NCT07402811

This project tests a smartphone mindfulness program to help adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) with sickle cell disease manage chronic pain and sleep problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT07402811 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants will use a smartphone-based mindfulness program with structured modules and guided exercises over an approximately 8-week period to target pain and sleep disturbance. The study collects usage data and patient-reported outcomes, including ASCQ-Me short forms, to measure acceptability, adherence, and feasibility. Eligible participants are English-speaking individuals aged 15–39 with sickle cell disease who report pain and/or sleep problems and have internet access, while those with significant cognitive limitations or recent extensive mindfulness training are excluded. Results will inform whether a larger efficacy trial of this mobile mindfulness approach is warranted.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking individuals aged 15–39 with a diagnosis of sickle cell disease who report pain and/or sleep problems and have regular internet access on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive limitations that prevent use of the program, those currently receiving substantial mindfulness therapy, or those without reliable internet access are unlikely to benefit from this mobile intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce pain and improve sleep, leading to better daily functioning and quality of life for young people with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have performed: Mindfulness-based interventions and some mobile MBIs have shown promise for pain and sleep in other chronic pain populations, but rigorous evidence specifically in sickle cell disease is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged 15-39 years
* Have been diagnosed with SCD
* Are able to speak and understand English
* Are able to complete questionnaires with minimal or no assistance from a caregiver
* Report pain and/or sleep problems as assessed by the Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System (ASCQ-Me) short forms
* Have access to the internet on a smartphone, tablet, or computer

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who have significant cognitive limitations that will impair their ability to use and understand the MBI, as per their health care provider or caregiver
* Are currently receiving an MBI or have received more than 4 sessions of any MBI in the 6 months prior to the screening

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Pain, Sickle Cell Disease, Sleep Disturbance, sleep, mindfulness-based intervention, mobile health, feasibility study, pain management

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.