PROBLEMS FACED BY GUARDIANS OF THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS IN DISTRICT SAHIWAL

Abstract

Introduction: Thalassemia is inherited genetic blood disorder in which patient needs lifelong regular blood transfusion along with medicines in order to survive. So the treatment associated with lifelong financial, social and physical problems for the patients and care givers. Objective: This study aimed to assess medical treatment and blood transfusion faculties available to thalassemia patients, problems faced by their guardians/ parents and to suggest some policy measures to eradicate the their problems. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Ali Zaib Blood Transfusion Services Sahiwal. Methodology: this study was conducted among the parents/ guardians of Thalassemia Major Patients. A sample of 464 respondents through simple random technique was selected and the data was collected by well designed interview schedule. Data analysis and interpretation using descriptive statistics through SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 21.0 version software was carried out. Conclusion: The study explored that there are less number of Thalassemia centers as compared to the numbers of patients. Long travelling enhances the problems of the patients as well as their caregivers. All the medicines were not available free of cost whereas majority of the patients are unable to purchase a prescribed medicine which results in increase of morbidity. There is a need to make Thalassemia centers at district level and to ensure the provision of all medicines on zero cost to Thalassemia patients.