“A STUDY TO ASSESS THE CLINICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CHILDREN SUFFERING WITH THALASSEMIA AT THALASSEMIA CENTER OF HSK HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTER, BAGALKOT.”

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is a major health problem that disturbs the lifestyle of the affected patient. The assessment of quality of life in children, especially in those with chronic illness such as thalassaemia, is particularly important. It differs from other forms of medical assessment in that it focuses on the individuals’ own views of their well-being and other aspects of life, giving a more holistic view of well-being. The aim of this work is to find out the level of depression of patients with thalassemia disease condition. Objectives: To assess the clinical and psychological factors affecting quality of life among children suffering with thalassemia in thalassemia centre of HSK Hospital and research centre at Bagalkot. Methods: A study was conducted with a sample of 100 students in the age group of 6 – 15 years was selected by convenient sampling technique. The data was collected by using Centre for epidemiological studies Depression scale for children [CES-DC] & Paediatric quality of life inventory scale. The data was entered in MS excel sheet and transferred to SPSS 25 for analysis. Results: Among 100 samples 44% were males and 56% were females. Among 100 participants 35% children are in between the age group of 6 to 8 year, 63% of children are suffering with the thalassemia major, 93% of children are at risk for depression according to the epidemiological studies depression scale for children, the mean and standard deviation is 45.61 and ±7.7 of paediatric quality of life inventory scale.

Conclusion: Thalassemia has a negative impact on perceived physical, emotional, social and school functioning in thalassemia patients. Children are at more risk of having depression according to the scale.