Biopsychosocial predictors of health-related quality of life in children with thalassemia in Thammasat University Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To determine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with thalassemia in order to explore physical and psychosocial factors affecting on their QOL. Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital, Pathum Thani. Sociodemographic factors and clinical characteristics were obtained from seventy-five of transfusion-dependent and non-transfused thalassemia patients. The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales (Thai version) were administered to determine the patients and their parents' perspectives. Results: The mean (SD) of total HRQOL score was 78.50 (2.05) for children who were self-reporting and it was 73.41 (2.22) for parent proxy-report, that were comparable with population norms. The stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that total HRQOL score of child self-report was negatively predicted by lower family income, early age onset of anemia before 2 years and under covered by Universal Health Coverage Scheme. The negative predictors of total HRQOL score of parent proxy-report were regular transfusion every 1-2 months, while self medical payment was positively predictive. Conclusion: The HRQOL in children with thalassemia was not only determined by disease severity and treatment but also by family financial impacts for caring of children. Health care interventions should be implemented to support in various domains of life.