Illness Intrusiveness in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: The Role of Fatigue

Lakeya S. McGill, Abbey J. Hughes, C. Patrick Carroll, Shawn M. Bediako

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Chronic illness experiences often interfere with daily functioning (a concept known as illness intrusiveness) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, less is known about the role of specific symptoms in predicting illness intrusiveness in sickle cell disease (SCD). This exploratory study examined associations between common SCD-related symptoms (i.e., pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety), illness intrusiveness, and HRQoL among adults with SCD (n = 60). Illness intrusiveness significantly correlated with fatigue severity (r =.39, p =.002), depression severity (r =.45, p <.001), anxiety severity (r =.41, p =.001), physical HRQoL (r = − .53, p <.001), and mental HRQoL (r = − .44, p <.001). Multiple regression revealed a significant overall model, (R2 =.28, F(4, 55) = 5.21, p =.001), with fatigue, but not pain, depression, or anxiety, significantly predicting illness intrusiveness (β =.29, p =.036). Results suggest that fatigue may be a primary factor contributing to illness intrusiveness—a determinant of HRQoL—in individuals with SCD. Given the limited sample size, larger confirmatory studies are warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)866-875
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

Keywords

  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Quality of life
  • Sickle cell disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Illness Intrusiveness in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: The Role of Fatigue'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this