Coping Strategy of Family in Treating Children with Thalassemia Mayor aged 6–12 Years in the Urban Area of Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder and has not been cured. Thalassemia children need special attention from the family as one of the efforts in treating children with thalassemia depends on coping strategies owned by the family. AIM: This research aimed to discover and deeply explore coping family strategies in caring for children with thalassemia major aged 6–12 years. METHODS: This study used quantitative and qualitative approaches (mixed methods). For quantitative study we used total sampling technique(66 samples). furthermore, for qualitative study, we used six participants with in depth-interview technique. The instrument was used the revised ways of coping scale questionnaire and interview guidelines. RESULTS: The study showed that 62. 2% of respondents had a positive coping strategy, and (37.8%) had a negative coping mechanism. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis showed that age, education, employment status, and the number of childreninfluenced individual coping strategies. The interview results show three themes, namely the process of grieving, fear of stigma, and an increase in spiritual activity. It is recommended for families to follow health education on caring for children with thalassemia.