A Systemic Review of the Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Pain in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Objectives: The psychosocial aspects of chronic pain among youth with sickle cell are poorly described and may be better understood within a biopsychosocial model of chronic pain as applied to youth living with sickle cell disease.

Design: A systematic literature review was performed to synthesize the psychosocial factors contributing to chronic pain in this population. Criteria for study inclusion were primary quantitative research studies focused on psychosocial aspects of chronic pain among youth with sickle cell disease.

Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Scopus were searched for relevant articles.

Review/analysis methods: Articles selected for full-text review were appraised for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Appraisal Tools. Thirteen articles were included.

Results: Depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, pain coping, executive functioning, and functional impairment were prevalent in youth living with sickle cell disease and chronic pain. Research gaps included the influence of stigma, injustice, peer interactions, and school and work on chronic pain.

Conclusions: The biopsychosocial model of chronic sickle cell disease-related pain for youth was developed and modified based on the results of this systematic review to remind clinicians of the various factors to consider in clinical practice and spur additional research in this field.