Health Related Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major

Abstract Background Awareness of factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in patients with beta-Thalassemia major (B-TM) is necessary to develop clinical programs in order to improve social support and QOL in B-TM patients. This study aimed to examine QoL, depression, anxiety, and stress in B-TM patients in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on173 B-TM patients aged > =12 years (12-18=55, > =19=118). Subjects were selected using a census method. Data collection instrument consisted of three parts including: demographic questions, SF-36 questionnaire and depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DAS-21). Results The participants obtained a mean score of 64.38±18.20 for QOL, 6.4±5.1 for depression, 4.8±3.9 for anxiety, and 7.3±4.9 for stress. Significant relationship was found between QOL and employment (P=0.02) and education level (P < 0.001). Patients in the age group of 12-18 years old had higher mean scores in the majority of QoL dimensions than those aged ?19. The mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were higher in patients aged 19. No significant correlation was observed between QOL and depression, anxiety, stress scores, and other demographic variables. Moreover, a significant inverse correlation was found between QOL and depression (P < 0.001,r= -0.62), anxiety (P < 0.001,r= -0.55), and stress scores (P < 0.001, r= -0.5) . Conclusion This study showed that B-TM patients experienced a considerable decrease both in their overall QoL and in its dimensions. A majority of the B-TM patients were also suffered from mild to severe depression, anxiety, and stress.