A Study On Parental Knowledge And Management Of Beta Thalassemia In Transfusion-Dependent Children

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusions are necessary for lifetime thalassemia care. Parents of transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients are crucial to their child illness treatment. In certain locations, thalassemia awareness and practices are underexplored, which might adversely or negatively affect child care. The study aim was to assess the awareness and practices among parents of transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia patients in Peshawar.

Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research was performed on  250 people recruited by non-probability convenience sampling. Data were gathered using  a standardized questionnaire which was adapted to encompass  and encompassing characteristics pertinent to parental awareness and behaviors concerning thalassemia. The Ethical Review Committee approved the study, and written informed  consent was obtained from all participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, including descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results: The research indicated that 61.3% of parents were unaware of thalassemia prior to their child's diagnosis. Chi-square analysis revealed a strong correlation between educational attainment and awareness (p = 0.030). A predominant number of parents adhered to consistent pharmaceutical protocols (98.7%), although just 13.3% had undergone genetic counseling. Gender disparities were seen in practices, with male parents exhibiting significantly superior practices compared to female parents (p = 0.00). Residence and age groups showed no significant differences in awareness or behaviors (p = 0.432, p = 0.290).

Conclusion: Parental awareness of thalassemia was insufficient. It is essential to educate both parents and the broader public to foster understanding about disease and its management.