Childrens' and adolescents' use of diaries for sickle cell pain
ISSUES AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of vaso-occlusive episodes, home management of pain and its impact on the daily activities, and a diary as a method of data collection. DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty-six adolescents and 75 children were asked to complete daily diaries during the intervention period of a larger study. RESULTS: Mild pain was recorded 95% of the time; moderate pain, 3%; and severe pain, 1%. The pattern and location of pain varied greatly. Adolescents used more interventions than did children. When pain intensity was mild, 80% of the children/adolescents maintained school, social, and home activities, but decreased play/sport activities. When pain intensity was high, they decreased their participation in all activities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Sickle cell pain episodes are unpredictable and highly variable. Diaries can enhance children's and adolescents' documentation and communication about their pain experiences.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Writing
- Pain Measurement
- Nursing
- Medical Records
- Male
- Humans
- Female
- Child, Preschool
- Child
- Anemia, Sickle Cell
Citation
Published In
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Writing
- Pain Measurement
- Nursing
- Medical Records
- Male
- Humans
- Female
- Child, Preschool
- Child
- Anemia, Sickle Cell