Comparison of Quality of Life in Patients with β-Thalassemia Intermedia and β-Thalassemia Major in Southern Iran

Abstract

Increased life expectancy in patients with β-thalassemia (β-thal) requires healthcare professionals to give greater attention to improving their quality of life (QoL). We aimed to evaluate health-related QoL (HRQoL) and its determinants in patients with β-thal intermedia (β-TI) compared with β-thal major (β-TM). In this cross sectional study, 118 patients with β-TI, referred to the Thalassemia Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, were investigated by convenience sampling from January to June 2014 in southern Iran. A Short Form-36 (SF36) questionnaire was used. We had previously conducted a similar study in 101 patients with β-TM (12 to 38 years). Compared data of the two studies were analyzed. Mean age was 26.5 ± 6.5 (12 to 48) years in β-TI and 19.5 ± 4.4 (12–38) years in the β-TM group. The best scales of HRQoL were physical functionin (PF) (76.8 ± 26.6) and bodily pain (BP) (70.1 ± 24.8) in the β-TI group. Males had significantly better score only in vitality dimension compared to females (p = 0.020). Higher education (p = 0.023) in univariate analysis and age ≤20 years (B coefficient = 13, p = 0.008) in multivariate analysis showed significant relationships with higher total HRQoL score in β-TI. Comparison of β-TI and β-TM, after adjusting for covariates, total HRQoL was similar between the two groups. In evaluating the subscales, only PF showed a better condition in patients with β-TM [adjusted mean difference = 12.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 5.6–19.3, p < 0.0001]. Contrary to our expectations, QoL in patients with β-TI were not better than β-TM. Training programs and psychosocial support of all patients with β-TI and β-TM as well as their care providers with more focus on older patients, females and the patients with lower educational degree should be taken into account.

Keywords:

• β-Thalassemia (β-thal)
• health
• Quality of life (QoL)
• Short Form-36 (SF36)

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all patients who participated and cooperated in this study. This study is relevant to the thesis of Sara Vahdati as part of her medical degree thesis [Grant #86/1021].

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

We would like to thank International Division of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences for their approval and financial support [Grant #86/1021].