Issues and purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of vaso-occlusive episodes, home management of pain and its impact on the daily activities, and a diary as a method of data collection.
Design and methods: Forty-six adolescents and 75 children were asked to complete daily diaries during the intervention period of a larger study.
Results: Mild pain was recorded 95% of the time; moderate pain, 3%; and severe pain, 1%. The pattern and location of pain varied greatly. Adolescents used more interventions than did children. When pain intensity was mild, 80% of the children/adolescents maintained school, social, and home activities, but decreased play/sport activities. When pain intensity was high, they decreased their participation in all activities.
Practice implications: Sickle cell pain episodes are unpredictable and highly variable. Diaries can enhance children's and adolescents' documentation and communication about their pain experiences.