Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia School Children

Abstract

 This predictive research aimed to study the factors predicting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in transfusion-dependent school-age children with thalassemia. The sample consisted of 88 pairs of mothers and their children with thalassemia, aged 7 to 14 years, who received blood transfusion services at Sappasithiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.
The results revealed that transfusion-dependent school-age children with thalassemia had an overall HRQoL at a good level (M=71.40, SD=14.01). Family relationships were at the highest level (M=4.15, SD=4.34), maternal care behaviors were at a very appropriate level (M=2.24, SD=0.41), and the child’s HRQoL as perceived by the mother was at a good level (M=1.23, SD=0.41). Family relationships, maternal care behaviors, and the child’s HRQoL as perceived by the mother jointly predicted 54% of the variance in the HRQoL of school-age children with thalassemia (R2=0.54, p<0.05).
Based on these findings, health personnel involved in the care of school-age children with thalassemia and their families should promote family relationships and maternal care behaviors to enhance the health-related quality of life of transfusion-dependent school-age children with thalassemia.