Assessment of Quality of Life and Satisfaction Level of Parents of the Thalassemia Major Malnourished Patients

Abstract

Objective: To assess the quality of life & level of satisfaction among parents of the thalassemia major patients.

Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sandeman Provincial Hospital & Bolan Medical Hospital, Quetta from July to September 2017.

Methodology: A sample size of 100 participants was statistically calculated. Data was congregated by systematic random sampling via pre-designed structured questionnaire comprising of several portions. The satisfaction scale was “5-item Likert-type. Thalassemia major patients and their parents who didn’t have any sort of mental or hearing concerns was our target population, while those who had problems other than mal-nourishment, or having haemoglobinopathies were excluded from the study. Ethical consideration was attained from participants by maintaining confidentiality & Internal Review Board of Health Services Academy prior to the study.

Results: Among the 100 respondents, 35 were females while 65 were males. Eight four percent parents having moderate degree of financial difficulties. About 62% of the parents said that they do not have enough money to fulfill their needs. About 60% of the attendants have adequate means of transport. Financially about 54% were poor and about 46% were in good financial condition. About 36 % of the attendants were not satisfied from the support they got and about 42% of them were less satisfied and about 22% of them were more satisfied from the support.

Conclusion: Parents of thalassemia major patients have financial & transportation difficulties in addition to support they got from the family and friends.