Caregivers' knowledge and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine in a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies has increased in children, especially in those with chronic health conditions. However, this increase may not translate into acceptance of CAM in the perioperative setting. We surveyed caregivers of patients undergoing surgery to determine their knowledge and acceptance of hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and music therapy as alternatives to standard medication in the perioperative period.

Behavioral and nutritional treatment for preschool-aged children with cystic fibrosis: a randomized clinical trial.

Importance: Evidence-based treatments that achieve optimal energy intake and improve growth in preschool-aged children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are a critical need.

Objective: To test whether behavioral and nutritional treatment (intervention) was superior to an education and attention control treatment in increasing energy intake, weight z (WAZ) score, and height z (HAZ) score.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This randomized clinical trial included 78 children aged 2 to 6 years (mean age, 3.

Predictors of health-related quality of life over time among adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease.

Little is known about what factors affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sickle cell disease (SCD), and how their HRQoL changes over time. This retrospective study included 87 AYAs attending a SCD Adolescent Clinic who completed a measure of HRQoL at each visit over the course of approximately 1.3 years.

Stigma and optimism in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Despite increased life expectancy among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), few studies have examined coping among adolescents and young adults with CF. Previous research suggests that stigma associated with chronic disease is related to worse physical and psychological health, but optimism may be protective. This study examined stigma and optimism among patients with CF.

Perceived barriers to clinic appointments for adolescents with sickle cell disease.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine perceived barriers to clinic attendance and strategies to overcome these barriers for adolescents with sickle cell disease.

Materials And Methods: This was a 2-phased study, which used focus groups (n=13) and individual semistructured interviews (n=32) with adolescent patients (aged 13 to 21 y) from 3 pediatric sickle cell clinics in the Midwest.

Results: Adolescents identified competing activities, health status, patient-provider relationships, adverse clinic experiences, and forgetting as barriers to clinic attendance.

A randomized controlled trial of massage therapy in children with sickle cell disease.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigated the short-term effects of massage therapy on youth with SCD and their parents.

Methods: Thirty-four children and adolescents, and their parents were assigned to a massage therapy or an attention control group. Parents were trained in massage in their homes once a week for 4 weeks, with instructions to provide nightly massages.

Evidence-based assessment of pediatric pain.

Objective: To conduct an evidence-based review of pediatric pain measures.

Methods: Seventeen measures were examined, spanning pain intensity self-report, questionnaires and diaries, and behavioral observations. Measures were classified as "Well-established," "Approaching well-established," or "Promising" according to established criteria.

Evidence-based assessment of adherence to medical treatments in pediatric psychology.

Objectives: Adherence to medical regimens for children and adolescents with chronic conditions is generally below 50% and is considered the single, greatest cause of treatment failure. As the prevalence of chronic illnesses in pediatric populations increases and awareness of the negative consequences of poor adherence become clearer, the need for reliable and valid measures of adherence has grown.

Methods: This review evaluated empirical evidence for 18 measures utilizing three assessment methods: (a) self-report or structured interviews, (b) daily diary methods, and (c) electronic monitors.

Parent perspectives on pain management, coping, and family functioning in pediatric sickle cell disease.

Pediatric sickle cell disease is a chronic illness for which recurrent pain is a ubiquitous experience. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine relationships between patient and family coping and health care utilization in children with sickle cell disease and to assess parents' recommendations for ensuring patient and family-centered care. Participants were 53 parents of children aged 7 to 13 with sickle cell disease across three large urban children's hospitals.

Functional outcome at adolescence for infants less than 801 g birth weight: perceptions of children and parents.

Objective: To compare functional, emotional, and academic status of adolescents who had been extremely low birth weight (ELBW) with those who were full term.

Study Design: Twenty-six adolescents who were born in 1983 to 1984 at less than 801 g birth weight were compared with 26 adolescents born at term. Adolescent-perceived status was assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-SR) and the Self-Perception Profile.

Dysfunctional eating patterns and symptoms of pica in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease.

The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and relationship of pica symptoms and dysfunctional eating patterns in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Children and caregivers (n = 146) completed questionnaires assessing eating difficulties and symptoms of pica. Information also was collected from medical records and analyzed for relationships with dysfunctional eating patterns.