Pray Until Something Happens for Sickle Cell Disease
(ESPIRITU Trial)
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants should be using opioid analgesics, so it seems you can continue with those.
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this research study is to reduce stress and improve sickle cell disease (SCD) pain control and sleep quality with less opioid use by determining the feasibility of an intervention with self-management combined intercessory and petitionary prayer, named Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH) stress reduction intervention using a mobile smart device. Currently, opioid analgesics are primarily used to treat SCD pain while self-managed behavioral modalities such as PUSH, are rarely used. Little is known about the effects or mechanisms of PUSH on pain, stress, and sleep symptoms in adults with SCD. Emerging evidence from the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis theory offer insights for understanding the mechanisms. Adding PUSH as a supplement to analgesic therapies will address the dearth of self-management strategies for controlling pain in SCD. PUSH is a simple and cost-effective non-drug intervention that could reduce pain and stress in inpatients with SCD. GR is an intervention where inpatients with SCD are directed to listen to the audio recordings of the PUSH prayer session.
Research Team
Miriam O Ezenwa,, PhD, RN
Principal Investigator
University of Florida
Eligibility Criteria
Adults with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) who are 18 or older, use opioids for pain management, have experienced pain levels of 3 or higher in the past day, and are comfortable with prayers being offered for them in Jesus' name. Participants must speak and read English.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Initial assessment of pain, stress, and sleep quality using various scales
Intervention
Participants in the experimental group receive the PUSH intervention, while the control group tracks stress and pain
Posttest
Assessment of short-term effects of the intervention on pain, stress, and sleep quality
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor