DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/NA8J-TJ54
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1362-7930
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Cecelia Valrie
Second Advisor
Dr. Heather A. Jones
Third Advisor
Dr. Nadirah El-Amin
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic blood disorder in the US. Inflammatory processes trigger and maintain pain (acute and chronic) and lead to multi-system complications. Randomized controlled trials have indicated that omega-3, a healthy dietary fatty acid, reduces pain frequency and inflammation in youth with SCD. Despite evidence of it as a promising complementary pediatric SCD pain treatment, there is limited information on omega-3 consumption knowledge among caregivers of youth with SCD, and rates of consumption among youth with SCD. The current study examined caregiver knowledge of and attitudes toward SCD-related omega-3 benefits, and consumption among youth with SCD. Caregivers (N = 57, M age = 38.65) of youth (aged 5-17) with SCD were recruited from VCU’s Pediatric SCD clinic. Participants completed surveys via REDCap on demographics; SCD Omega-3 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (K.A.P.); and pain. Overall K.A.P. scores were low. Approximately 80% of caregivers reported they had not heard of omega-3 as a complementary pain treatment option. While overall attitudes were low, caregivers reported low perceived barriers and high perceived severity and self-efficacy, all indicative of positive attitudes. Youth consumption was significantly predicted by caregiver knowledge (β = .92, t = 2.88) and perceived barriers (β = -.57, t = -2.43, p = .02). The findings highlighted the lack of awareness of omega-3 benefits among caregivers of youth with SCD. These findings indicate a need for dissemination efforts to raise awareness of omega-3 as an evidence-based complementary treatment option for pediatric SCD pain.
Rights
© B. Sloan Crawford
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-2-2025
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons