Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Well-Being of Patients With Thalassemia Major in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Background and aim Chronic patients with thalassemia major were mainly recognized as more prone to poor mental health during this global pandemic. This study aims to evaluate causal relationships leading to poor outcomes and how they manage to tackle this. Methods In-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 thalassemia patients selected through probability consecutive sampling from Pakistan Thalassemia Welfare Society Centers. The following criteria served as the basis for the interview: (1) solitude at home, (2) interruption of transfusion services, (3) alteration of appetite and interests, (4) lack of control and uncertainty, (5) extensive media coverage, (6) deterioration of pre-existing health issues, difficulty in sleeping, (7) practicing gratitude, (8) participation in activities and hobbies, (9) connectivity with others, and (10) ability to recognize social support. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with reflexive thematic analysis. Results The commonly described mental health conditions were depression and concern about the overall health status. The following seven elements associated with the pandemic contributed to the deterioration of mental health: (1) isolation at home, (2) disruption in transfusion services, (3) change in appetite and interests, (4) lack of control and uncertainty, (5) intensive media reporting, (6) worsening of pre-existing health problems, and (7) difficulty in sleeping. The following four coping strategies were identified for maintaining mental issues: (1) practicing gratitude, (2) involvement in activities and hobbies, (3) connectivity with others, and (4) discerning social support. Conclusions Thalassemia major patients had been negatively affected during the pandemic. Only a small number of people modified their management techniques to maintain steady well-being.