Quality of Life in Children with Β-Thalassemia Major at Center for Special Diseases

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of factors associated with quality of life in patients with thalassemia is necessary for creating appropriate clinical programs, social support, and improving treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine quality of life in children with thalassemia major at Center for Special Diseases of valiasr hospital in Birjand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 40 children over 7 years of age with thalassemia major. Tools for data collection included a demographic questionnaire and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL- Bref) standard questionnaire comprising 26 items to determine quality of life in patients with thalassemia. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tests (mean, SD, and frequency), and inferential statistical test (t-test) in SPSS software. RESULTS: Results showed mean score of 70.37±9.88 for quality of life, 25±3.06 for physical health, 18.12±3.22 for mental health, 21.3±4.43 for living environment, and 5.95±1.58 for sociability. There was no significant correlation between quality of life and demographic variables. Correlation between social relationships and education level was significant (P-value<0.0001). CONCLUSION: According to the results, quality of life of the patient was above average in three dimensions of physical health, psychological health, and environmental health, and in order to improve quality of life in these children, appropriate programs should be implemented to support them physically, mentally and socially, and improve patient’s relationship with Center for Special Diseases.