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). METHOD 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.