A Comparison of Quality of Life between Adolescences with Beta Thalassemia Major and their Healthy Peers

Abstract

<strong><em>Background</em></strong> <br/>The chronic genetic blood disorder, thalassemia, affects Quality of life (QOL) negatively. Regarding this, if adolescences with thalassemia are treated well, they will grow into an adult who will have a good potential for participating in society. Objectives: to determine the strongest predictor of QOL, compare QOL between the adolescents with beta-type major and their peers in Abadan city. <br/><strong><em>Materials and Methods</em></strong> <br/>This was a cross-sectional study; the population consisted of 65 beta thalassemia major patients and 65 healthy peers with the same ages as the witness group. The data collection tools included SF-36 questionnaire and a questionnaire for demographic information. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test, correlation and linear regression by SPSS-16. <br/><strong><em>Results</em></strong> <br/>The results of the study revealed that there is a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the average quality of life between the two groups of the study. On the other hand, the results showed that there was a meaningful relation between different aspects of life quality and family history of thalassemia (P< 0.05). Also, there was a negative correlation between quality of life and the frequency of blood transfusion per year (P< 0.05). <br/><strong><em>Conclusion</em></strong> <br/>Adolescences with beta thalassemia major do not have a desirable quality of life, therefore, this fact shows the necessity of serious reforming in various fields of health care, treatment, family, social and financial support, and rehabilitation that need more attention from health care policymakers.