A randomized, controlled pilot trial of a school intervention for children with sickle cell anemia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a randomized clinical pilot trial comparing routine services (RS) with a school intervention program (SIP) for children with sickle cell anemia (SCA).


METHODS
Twenty-four children (ages 8-12 years) with SCA were randomized to RS or SIP. General disease knowledge, consumer satisfaction, self-concept, and school absences were evaluated.


RESULTS
Compared with children receiving RS, children and teachers receiving SIP evidenced more accurate information about their disease, and children with SCA had significantly fewer absences. Teachers receiving SIP reported higher consumer satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
A modest educational curriculum can increase knowledge of SCA, is associated with lower absence rates, and yields high consumer satisfaction ratings.
Koontz
Kristine
K
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA.
Short
Amy D
AD
Kalinyak
Karen
K
Noll
Robert B
RB
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012572:School Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires