The Effect of Partnership Care Model on Mental Health of Patients with Thalassemia Major

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia major has become a public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing and poor countries, while the role of educating the family and community has not been considered enough in patients' care. OBJECTIVES: This study examines the impact of partnership care model on mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study, with pretest and posttest design, was performed on patients with beta-thalassemia major in Jiroft city. 82 patients with beta-thalassemia major were allocated randomly into two groups of intervention (41 patients) and control (n = 41) groups. Mental health of the participants was measured using the standard questionnaire GHQ-28 before and after intervention in both groups. The intervention was applied to the intervention group for 6 months, based on the partnership care model. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the scores of mental health and its subscales between two groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study revealed the efficacy and usefulness of partnership care model on mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major; thus, implementation of this model is suggested for the improvement of mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major.