Psychological intervention in children with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia. Issue 3 (10th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Meichun; Huang, Meixia; Hong, Yijin
• Is Part Of: Vox sanguinis. Volume 117:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 386
• Page End: 392
• Publication Date: 2021-09-10
• Subjects: β‐thalassaemia -- depression -- psychological intervention -- quality of life; Blood -- Periodicals; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Immunohematology -- Periodicals; Immunopathology -- Periodicals; 615.39
• DOI: 10.1111/vox.13201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0042-9007

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia can lead to severe psychological issues in paediatric and adolescent patients. However, the psychological interventions for these patients are limited in clinical practice. We aimed to investigate the impact of a 3‐month psychological intervention on the quality of life (QOL) of children with β‐thalassaemia (12–18 years old) who relied on blood transfusion in this study. Materials and Methods: In the current randomized controlled trial, a total of 143 paediatric or adolescent patients (12–18 years old) with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia were recruited. They were randomized into the control group ( n = 71) who received standard physiological treatment and the intervention group ( n = 72) who received a 3‐month intervention in addition to standard physiological treatment. The effects of the interventions on the QOL and psychological outcomes of these participants were analysed. Results: The 3‐month intervention significantly improved the scores of PedsQoL 4.0 Generic Core Scales of paediatric patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia. It also significantly improved the psychological status and alleviated the depression among children and adolescent patients by alleviating anhedonia, negative mood and negative self‐esteem among them. Conclusion: Psychological intervention has positive effects on the treatment for children with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia.