Background:
Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the bodymakes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. This disorder results in excessive destruction of redblood cells, and there is no effective treatment. Patients require lifelong blood transfusion,usually started within 6 to 12 months of birth of patient, which on other hand has its owncomplications. It is a chronic disease that manifests so early in life that it leads topsychological and social problems for parents . We focused on parents to assess the impact oftheir child’s disease.ObjectiveTo determine the psychosocial problems of parents of thalassemic children.
Methods:
This cross sectional study was conducted among the parents of thalassemic children attendingTHALASSEMIA CENTRE, BAHAVAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL (BVH), BAHAWALPUR,PAKISTAN during the year 2011. A self designed questionnaire was used that containedquestions regarding psychological and social aspects. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the depression of parents of thalassemic children.
Results:
Of the 100 parents interviewed, the majority were mothers (71%), with a mean age of 32 +/-8.07 years for both sexes. 29 percent of the parents had moderate to severe depression, 16percent had sleep disturbances. 56 percent were downgraded by relatives. There was asignificant relationship between respondent education and depression(p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
A substantial number of parents have psychosocial problems due to the disease of their child.Parent counseling is needed on regular basis.