PSYCHOLOGICAL BURDEN IN β-THALASSEMIA AFFECTED FAMILIES

Objective: Assessing the psychological burden on families affected by Thalassemia may face, controlling for cultural and social setup. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey is done with the help of structured interviews and questionnaires. Self-designed questionnaire is used to determine the demographics of the patients, whereas questionnaire developed by Ratip and Modell (1996) used to gauge the psychological pressure the thalassemia affected family faces. The survey was conducted in different health centers of Peshawar that specialize in providing medical facilities to patients suffering from blood disorders. Logistic Regression and Chi Square test of Association used to arrive at results. Results: The results revealed that the parents of a Thalassemic patient face problems with social interaction. They are anxious about their child’s health, and face isolation. However, due to cultural setup their family supports them but the disease of the child does not affect their relationship with other children and spouse. Conclusion: Cultural and social setup affects the magnitude of the psychological burden inflicted on a Thalassemia affected family. Families living in rural areas found more disturbed. The effect of different factors on social life differs for male and female patients