How sickle cell disease patients experience, understand and explain their pain: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the UK's most common blood disorder causing sickle shaped red blood cells to block small blood vessels inducing both acute and chronic pain. A crucial factor in determining quality of life for those with SCD is the severity, timing and number of painful sickling episodes. However, little research focuses on the nature of pain and so it is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth and meaning led account of the experience of SCD pain. Qualitative research design. Seven face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants described experiencing unimaginable, agonising, continuous, inescapable and limitless pain which was almost impossible to describe; participants resorted to using analogy and personification as a way to overcome this difficulty. Participants spoke about a process where, ultimately, they felt obliged to accept their illness as it would never be cured; but were able to appreciate life and recognize positive life lessons as a result of living with SCD. This research indicates that therapeutic work around analogy can help individuals understand and express the...Continue Reading
References
Evolving guidelines for publication of qualitative research studies in psychology and related fields
Assessment of sickle cell pain in children and young adults using the adolescent pediatric pain tool
Citations
Why does your pain never get better? Stigma and coping mechanism in people with sickle cell disease.
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