The Prevalence of Symptomatic Anxiety in Children & Adolescents Suffering From Beta-Thalassemia: “A Longitudinal Study”

Abstract

This article presents a longitudinal study of symptomatic anxiety in Beta-Thalassemia patients categorically adolescents (both male and female). This study was conducted at Thalassemia center(Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation,Karachi). Sampleswereselected through purposive sampling. The sampling population comprised of 196 registered Thalassemia patientswith age range between 4and 17 years.The overall percentage of anxiety was indicated in Thalassemia patientsas 63.26%.Among levels of anxiety, we observed mild symptoms comparedto moderate and severe. An overall difference of 5%, was found between young and adolescents. i.e.,65% and 60% respectively, and we found no statistical difference between male and female patients.We found mild symptoms of anxiety in greater number of patients suffering fromthalassemia. The severity of psychiatric symptoms found, increased with age. A multidisciplinary approach is required,to tackle the disorder from earlier stages of life. Childhood and adolescence set the stage for future development,therefore a rapid team of psychologist in adjunct with medical practitioner,is required to make the quality of life of the thalassemia patient much better.