Quality of Life in Thalassemia Major Patients in an Iranian District

INTRODUCTION: Beta thalassemia major is a chronic inherited disease which leaves a lot of physical and mental effects on the individual and family. The present research was carried out with the objective of a study on quality of life in thalassemia major patients of Boeir-Ahmad.

METHOD: This research is a descriptive- analytical study which was carried out on 72 thalassemia patients referring to thalassemia center of Boeir-Ahmad. The patient’s quality of life was studied using an Iranian version of short questionnaire with 36 options on quality of life. The social and individual characters of Patient’s were evaluated and reported. Data are reported using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean and standard deviation and also inferential statistics.

RESULTS: The age mean and standard deviation (SD) of participants were 20.5± 4.7 years, 65% were single, and 40% with mild to moderate face deformities. The findings in the research showed the quality of life was relatively desirable in 52 % of the patients, undesirable in 19% and desirable in 29%. Also the findings showed that the emotional role is most affected aspect of quality of life. A significant correlation was observed only with facial changes (p<0.001).undesirable and relatively desirable quality of life and also the high prevalence of facial deformities are significant health problems in Boirahmad thalassemia patients.

CONCLUSION: So we suggest applying appropriate educational plans and psychiatric consultations and also better medical services to reduce the complications of the disease in these patients.