Socio-demographic and psychological aspects of children with thalassaemia

Objective To identify the socio-demographic and psychological aspects of thalassaemia

Method An observational descriptive study was carried out on 50 thalassaemic children, admitted for monthly blood transfusion to paediatric units of Teaching Hospital Kandy. Information was gathered using questionnaires.

Results Eighty four percent of the respondents were mothers. Age groups of children were: 1-4years (14%), 5-9years (34%), 10-14years (36%), and 15-20years (16%). Sixty two percent were girls and 74% from the Central Province. Forty two percent were on subcutaneous desferrioxamine chelation, 8% on oral deferiprone and 50% on combined therapy. Thirty eight percent of children over ten years of age could self administer subcutaneous desferrioxamine. Eighty eight percent of parents had adequate knowledge about thalassaemia. In 88% father was the breadwinner. All said that they could not afford the expenses on travelling and investigations. Seventy five percent had satisfactory relationships with siblings and peers. In 74% teachers were happy about the school performance. Eighty six percent had family support but none had adequate social support.

Conclusions Eighty six percent had family support but none had adequate social support. Seventy five percent had satisfactory relationships with siblings and peers.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2011; 40: 16-17

(Keywords: Thalassaemia; socio-demographic aspects)

 doi: 10.4038/sljch.v39i4.2863