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Psychosocial problems in children with thalassemia and their siblings

Orawan Louthrenoo1, Somjai Sittipreechacharn, Pattra Thanarattanakorn

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|October 31, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Children with beta-thalassemia experience significantly more psychosocial problems than healthy children. Early psychosocial interventions are crucial for managing these challenges and preventing psychiatric disorders in affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Hematology
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Beta-thalassemia presents significant health challenges for children and families.
  • Chronic illness in childhood can impact psychosocial well-being.
  • Understanding these impacts is vital for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess psychosocial problems in children with beta-thalassemia.
  • To compare these problems with those in siblings and healthy controls.
  • To identify the need for targeted psychosocial interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized semi-structured interviews and the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC).
  • Included 82 children with thalassemia, 20 siblings, and 50 healthy controls.
  • Demographically controlled for family and child characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Children with beta-thalassemia showed significantly higher rates of psychosocial problems (28.05%) compared to controls (4%).
  • No significant difference in psychosocial problems was found between siblings and controls.
  • Mean PSC scores were markedly higher in children with thalassemia.

Conclusions:

  • Children with beta-thalassemia face an elevated risk of psychosocial difficulties.
  • Psychosocial interventions are recommended to mitigate risks and prevent psychiatric disorders.
  • Further research into tailored support for this population is warranted.

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