Pain Manag Nurs. 2025 Nov 23:S1524-9042(25)00315-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2025.11.001. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a nurse-led intervention combining filial therapy and sickle cell disease (SCD) education on pain and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with SCD in a Middle Eastern context.
DESIGN: A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed.
METHODS: 200 Omani children (aged 5-12) and their caregivers were recruited from two government hospitals. The intervention group (n = 100) received a 10-week nurse-led program integrating filial therapy (structured play sessions) and SCD education, while the control group (n = 100) received routine care. Outcomes were measured using the Pediatric Pain Questionnaire (PPQ) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) SCD Module at baseline, 15 weeks (post-intervention), and 20 weeks (follow-up). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA.
RESULTS: The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in pain (child report: 51.34%, p < 0.001; parent report: 59.24%, p < 0.001) and improvements in HRQOL (child report: +17.04%; parent report: +18.65%, p < 0.001), with sustained effects at follow-up. Largest gains were observed in pain management and psychological domains (e.g., Worry I: d = 1.79). The control group showed negligible changes. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (d = 1.06-1.79), confirming clinical significance.
CONCLUSION: The nurse-led intervention significantly reduced pain and enhanced HRQOL in children with SCD, underscoring the value of integrating filial therapy and education into routine care.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Pediatric nurses can implement this structured, culturally adaptable intervention to improve outcomes in SCD management. Policymakers should consider scaling filial therapy training in regions with high SCD prevalence.
PMID:41285654 | DOI:10.1016/j.pmn.2025.11.001
