Testing a smartphone app to help teens take sickle cell medication

This trial is testing a smartphone app called MED-Go to help young people with sickle cell disease stick with their medication routine. Sickle cell disease is a serious genetic blood disorder that causes pain and other health complications, and hydroxyurea is an important FDA-approved medication that reduces these problems—but many young people struggle to take it regularly. The study wants to see if the app makes it easier and more acceptable for teenagers and young adults to remember and take their medication every day.

Many young people with sickle cell disease don't take their medication consistently enough to get its full benefits, partly because they're juggling school, social life, and other priorities. This medication can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life, so researchers want to test whether a mobile app—something young people already use every day—can help them stay on track with their treatment.