Ava Schlosser
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Crystal Patil
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Health Behavior and Biological Sciences / Nursing
Program:
Authors: Ava Schlosser, Megan Cichoraki, LaToya Brown, Crystal Patil
Session: Session 4: 1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Poster: 18
Abstract
In the US, sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited and life-threatening blood disorder, affects about 100,000 births annually. Lysis of red blood cells and the characteristic sickled shape are caused by a genetic mutation that results in severe pain, organ damage, and early, death. A common clinical manifestation of SCD is a vaso-occlusive crisis. Crises occur when microcirculation is obstructed by sickled red blood cells; this causes ischemic injury to the affected organ(s) and pain. Pain crises are the hallmark clinical feature of SCD and the leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for people living with SCD. While the aging process is accelerated by this disease, our understanding of the aging process and how it relates to quality of life (QOL) is limited. Our multidisciplinary team (anthropology, biochemistry, biopsychology, and nursing) is conducting formative research to identify specific research gaps and engage with community stakeholders so that we can co-design a study exploring aging among people living with SCD. As a part of this process, we are conducting a literature review to assess what is known about the aging process and identify gaps. So far, we identified only 10 articles related to aging (3 quantitative, 5 qualitative, and 2 using mixed methods). After synthesizing these articles and doing public outreach to engage local healthcare systems and community organizations, we will co-develop a mixed methods study that characterizes the aging process and link it to QOL for those living with SCD.
