The Effect of Happiness Training on Psychological Well-Being in Patients with Thalassaemia Major: A quasi-experimental study.

Mohammad S Sargolzaei,Ali Bazi,Milad G Shirsavar,Abolghasem P Nasirabady,Jasem Allahyari

doi:10.18295/squmj.8.2021.109

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effects of happiness training on the psychological well-being of thalassaemia major (TM) patients. TM is a chronic haematological disease that can have profound effects on patients’ mental health and psychological well-being.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test design was performed on 52 patients with TM attending the thalassaemia care centre of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Zabol city, Iran, from August to December 2020. The patients were randomly categorised into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, happiness training was performed in eight sessions, each for 60 minutes. The control group received routine care. The data collection tool employed was the Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-Being. Data were analysed by SPSS 16 using descriptive (mean ± standard deviation) and inferential (paired and independent t-test) statistics.ResultsRegarding the psychological well-being score at the pre-test stage, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention (74.92 ± 6.36) and control (74.57 ± 5.83) groups (P = 0.83). After the intervention, however, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of psychological well-being (P <0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was seen one comparing the psychological well-being score between the pre- and post-intervention phases in the experimental (P = 0.01) but not control (P = 0.12) group.ConclusionThe results of this study showed that happiness training improved TM patients’ psychological well-being. Therefore, this type of training can be used as an appropriate educational strategy to improve the psychological well-being in these patients.

Highlights

Thalassemia is a common inherited hematological disease.[1]
The results of this study showed that happiness training improved Thalassemia major (TM) patients’ psychological well-being
Our results showed the positive effects of happiness training on the self-acceptance, positive communications with others, purposefulness, personal growth, and environmental dominance dimensions, as well as total psychological wellbeing score in patients with TM

Summary

Introduction

Thalassemia is a common inherited hematological disease.[1] Thalassemia major (TM) is characterized by either the lack or reduced production of globin chains.[2] Around 200,000 TM patients are currently seeking treatment worldwide.[3] The prevalence of TM is high in the central Asia, Middle East, India, southern China, Mediterranean countries, and central. Africa.[4] Iran is among the countries with a high prevalence of TM, with more than 26,000 registered patients.[5] The chronic nature of thalassemia affects patients’ different aspects of life, including physical and social activities, familial relationships, educational performance, leisure activities, and communication with other people. There is an increased risk of psychological problems such as anxiety and depression in these patients.[6,7] The psychosocial problems experienced by these patients can severely affect their psychological well-being, quality of life, and the disease’s course.[8]

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