Publication Details
Abstract
Background & Aim: Major thalassemia is a chronic hereditary hemoglobin disorder, characterized by defective synthesis of the alpha or beta globin chain and results in lifelong anemia with iron overloading and multi-organ failure. These physical complaints may cause impaired quality of life and a higher risk of depression. This research aimed to estimate prevalence and severity of depression in adult patients with major thalassemia in Thi-Qar, Iraq, and its relations with sociodemographic, clinical, occupational factors.
Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was done in thi-Qar herditery blood diseases center. Eighty-nine adult patients participated voluntarily. Information was obtained from face-to-face interviews, a structured questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analyses were conducted using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and effect sizes were reported for significant associations.
Results: There were more female participants 55.1% in the age group of 18–25 years (64.0%). Most were unmarried (86.5%), had no dependents (92.1%) and 53.9% reported having a primary caregiver. Depression severity varied from minimal (16.9%) to severe (14.6%), and most participants had at least mild depression. Depression score was positively associated with age, lack of caregiver support, comorbidity chronic diseases, and unemployment as well as being dependent on family income and poor work capacity due to illness (p