Journal of Hematology & Thromboembolic Diseases
Open Access

Abstract

Acceptability of an Online Brief Mindfulness Intervention for Sickle Cell Disease Pain

Seungjun Kim*, Dominic Arjuna Ugarte, Adam Hanley, Sarah Martin and Sean D Young

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) pain negatively impacts the quality of life among People Living With Sickle Cell Disease (PWSCD). New intervention methods, including Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs), have been used to manage various forms of chronic pain but their potential for addressing pain among PWSCD has not been extensively studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acceptability of a 20-minute, video adaptation of the Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) program for addressing pain among PWSCD: Mini MORE.

Materials and methods: PWSCD (N=32) were recruited via advertisements on online platforms and their responses to semi-structured interview questions were gathered for analysis. Thematic analysis using the method of constant comparison based on Grounded Theory was used to analyze the transcribed responses.

Results: The study revealed three main themes: (1) Pain; (2) pain triggers and management; (3) social support and stigma; and (4) preferences and recommendations for the Mini MORE video. The needs and preferences of PWSCD identified from this study are expected to help improve mindfulness interventions for alleviating SCD pain or other forms of chronic pain.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the Mini MORE video, a brief mindfulness intervention, could be a potential method for mitigating pain among PWSCD. Feedback from participants on how to improve the Mini MORE video will inform the adaptation of future mindfulness videos for addressing pain among PWSCD. Health practitioners and researchers should further investigate the potential opportunities for using MBIs to manage pain or treat other diseases.

Published Date: 2023-08-31; Received Date: 2023-08-01