Early Life Exposures Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Early Life Exposures Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease

This study is being conducted to determine the relationship between early childhood exposures, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, Social Determinants of Health and nutrition/breastfeeding, among children with sickle cell disease, and behavioral interventions aimed to reshape psychological resilience and lifestyle factors towards positive health outcomes.

During year 3 of the award period, 20 mother-infant dyads will be randomly assigned to either a community-based breastfeeding support group or observation. Acceptability to enrollment, intervention adherence for at least 6 months and preliminary effectiveness will be captured. Biomarkers of inflammation, development of asthma and incidences of pain and/or acute chest syndrome will be compared among the intervention and control groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• mother of infant with sickle cell disease
• resides within the city of Birmingham, Alabama or in close proximity

Exclusion Criteria:

• prescribed teratogenic medications
• no/limited internet access