Abstract
IntroductionBeta thalassemia major (BTM) is a chronic hereditary blood disorder. Patients are dependent on blood transfusion and are prone to multiple comorbidities. Depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) can complicate their condition. No reports from Saudi Arabia to measure DAS in BTM patients. We report the prevalence of DAS symptoms in our BTM patients using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 Items) test.MethodsA cross-sectional study including adolescents and adults aged 14 years and above with BTM treated in Almadinah Almunawwarah and excluding patients who had bone marrow transplant or with central nervous system insults were performed.ResultsA total of 31 male and 31 female patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 24.32 ± 7.05 years. Depression symptoms were detected in 60 % of patients, anxiety symptoms were detected in half of the studied group, and stress symptoms were detected in 38.7% of patients. We found a significant positive correlation between DAS and DASS total score. Age below or above 18, parent’s employment, patient’s educational level, and status of satisfaction about medical care were statistically significant in having positive effects on scores of DAS symptoms. ConclusionsBTM patients are prone to develop psychological disorders, which can affect the course of the disease. Our results are comparable to international and Arab population studies, which have the highest reported prevalence. It is important to not ignore the psychological evaluation of patients with BTM and to refer them for proper evaluation and management.
Highlights
Beta thalassemia major (BTM) is a chronic hereditary blood disorder
We report the prevalence of DAS symptoms in our BTM patients using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 Items) test
Depression symptoms were detected in 60 % of patients, anxiety symptoms were detected in half of the studied group, and stress symptoms were detected in 38.7% of patients
Summary
A cross-sectional study including adolescents and adults aged 14 years and above with BTM treated in Almadinah Almunawwarah and excluding patients who had bone marrow transplant or with central nervous system insults were performed. This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted using telephonic interviews with patients. The inclusion criteria for the study included adolescents and adults aged 14 years and above diagnosed with BTM who are transfusion-dependent and treated in MMCH and KFH in Almadinah Almunawwarah. We excluded patients who had bone marrow transplant and were cured of thalassemia as well as patients with central nervous system insults, such as stroke, preventing them from expressing themselves and not able to communicate well. We screened patients for the ongoing support they were getting, including support from family and the medical team, and the evaluation of level of satisfaction from medical care and psychological care that had been received
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