SOCIAL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL BURDEN OF BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR (BTM) IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The current study aimed to find out the association of risk factors and psycho social burden of beta thalassemia major among the parents of thalassemic children; and to find out the differences of risk factors and psycho social burden of beta thalassemia major among the parents of thalassemic children based on gender and residential area. The study was based upon the quantitative research designed and samples of 932 parents of thalassemia children. The finding of the study revealed that socio economic risk factors (lack of social and financial support, sympathetic attitude of doctors and paramedics), cultural risk factors(religious restriction regarding
prevention and screening of disease, strong emphasis on consanguinity) and disease related factors (lack of provision of blood and medicines, inadequate health system)are among the major risk factors associated with beta thalassemia major. The study recommends having strong emphasis on parental awareness regarding importance of counselling and screening of patients.