Examining Biopsychosocial Factors in Relation to Multiple Pain Features in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

Objective To examine biopsychosocial variables in relation to multiple pain features in pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD).aEuro integral MethodsaEuro integral 76 children with SCD (M = 14.05, SD = 3.26), ages 8-19 years, and 70 caregivers completed measures of coping, mood, and family functioning and reported on multiple pain features via retrospective interviews during routine hematological visits. Sickle cell genotype and health care utilization were collected via medical record review. Using hierarchical regression, biological (genotype), child psychological (coping and mood), and social factors (caregiver coping and family functioning) were evaluated in relation to multiple pain features.aEuro integral ResultsaEuro integral Genotype was associated with pain intensity, and child psychological factors were associated with pain frequency. Multiple biopsychosocial factors were related to health care utilization.aEuro integral ConclusionsaEuro integral Biopsychosocial factors may have distinct relationships with pain features in pediatric SCD. Understanding these relationships may refine the biopsychosocial model and inform integrated medical and psychosocial approaches in SCD.