BMI, Psychosocial Correlates, Pain and Activities of Daily Living in Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Abstract

Pain, psychosocial issues and impaired activities of daily living (ADLs) are common in sickle cell disease (SCD). Improved longevity may be leading to increases in body mass index (BMI). We both describe an SCD clinic population and determine if BMI, psychosocial distress, and pain predict impairments in ADLs. Archival data from 252 adult African American SCD clinic patients were examined (ie gender, BMI, SCD type, psychosocial status via Symptom Checklist-90-Revised; pain via Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire: Sensory Pain, Affective Pain (AP), Present Pain Intensity and ADLs. In total, 44% of the sample was overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Depression, anxiety, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Global Severity Index were in the clinical range. Patients with HbSβ+-thalassemia and hemoglobin SC disease had higher BMIs than those with HbSS (P < 0.001). AP and age-predicted impaired ADLs. In an OW/OB subsample, AP, age, and SCD severity predicted impaired ADLs. The consistent relationship of AP to ADL impairment suggests targeting AP via behavioral pain management may improve functioning.