• Juanita E Darby, Ivy C Akpotu, Dahee Wi, Sarah Ahmed, Ardith Z Doorenbos, and Saria Lofton.
• College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL. Electronic address: jdarby4@uic.edu.
• Pain Manag Nurs. 2024 Oct 5.

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder with chronic pain that affects over 100,000 people in the United States. Previous research suggests a complex interaction between SCD pain outcomes and social determinants of health (SDOH).ObjectiveTo explore the impact of SDOH on pain outcomes in SCD.DesignWe used a scoping review design to explore the broad topic of social factors that affect SCD pain.Data SourcesWe searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase databases using combined search and Medical Subject Headings terms ("social determinants of health," "sickle cell," and "pain").Review MethodsWe used a content analysis with a summative approach to identify and describe interactions between SDOH and SCD pain outcomes.FindingsEight articles reporting studies with 7,992 total participants and a focus on SCD pain outcomes met the inclusion criteria. Three themes related to SDOH and pain were produced: education and employment, social and emotional functioning, and healthcare access.ConclusionThe key findings highlight the complex interplay between socioeconomic, psychological, and biological factors in SCD pain experiences. This underscores the need for nursing care to consider SDOH in an integrated, holistic approach to SCD pain.Implications For NursingTo improve pain management among their SCD patients, nurses can assess pain holistically, develop customized individual pain management plans with educational and health literacy support options, and strengthen social support.Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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