Posted by Caeli Malloy on November 14, 2023
Symptoms including Sleep, Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and low Energy/fatigue, also known as the SPADE pentad, can be debilitating for people living with IBD. Research with adults with IBD has found that SPADE symptoms can be particularly distressing and disruptive, even for patients in disease remission. SPADE symptoms are believed to be multidimensional, complex, and multifactorial in nature, suggesting a number of interacting clinical, demographic, and psychosocial characteristics contribute to symptom severity. However, we have yet to explore the relationships among these symptoms in the pediatric population living with IBD.
A new research study seeks to explore SPADE symptoms in teens with IBD.
The Experiences of Teens Living with IBD Study
We are conducting an ongoing research study in collaboration with ImproveCareNow, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Indiana University School of Nursing.
In this study, we will examine the relationships among SPADE symptoms. We will evaluate the associations between symptoms and demographic, clinical, and self-management variables in teens with inflammatory bowel disease. Data will be collected at baseline and at 6 months post-baseline.
While this study only seeks to describe and explore these symptoms, the results will provide important insight into what factors are involved in the experience and severity of SPADE symptoms in teens with IBD. Study results will serve as the groundwork for future experimental studies that will lead to the development of evidence-based tools to support symptom management in this population.
Join the Study!
We are actively recruiting for this compensated research study. We are 90% there with recruitment and looking for our final participants to help us reach our recruitment goal! If you are a parent of a teenager (13-17 years old) living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your teen may be able to take part in our study. The study involves taking two online surveys, with the first survey taking place immediately after joining the study and the second survey occurring 6 months later. Please follow the link below, which will take you to our study website. The website includes information about the research project and shows you how to join the study: https://clmalloy.wixsite.com/teens-with-ibd-study
