Evaluation of Factors influencing the birth of Thalassemia in Family Members with Thalassemia Major in Southeast Iran in ۲۰۲۱

Background & Objectives: Beta-thalassemia is one of the complex diseases that causes many social and economic problems for the patient and his family. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the birth of thalassemia (intermedia or major) in family members with thalassemia major in Sistan and Baluchistan province. Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted by census sampling on ۴۸ families of thalassemia major patients with at least two children with thalassemia (intermedia or major) in their members. Data were collected through direct interviews and a review of patients' documents. The results were analyzed by SPSS (version ۲۲) and Mann-Whitney U, Independent t-test, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests. Results: In this study, statistical evaluations showed that the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major whose mothers are housewives was ۱۰۰% and in families that had no premarital counseling was ۹۱.۷%. There was a significant relationship between variables related to mothers' awareness of thalassemia, including their place of residence and Sistani and Baluchestani ethnics, and the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major (in both cases, P-value = ۰.۰۵); However, there was no significant relationship between other variables related to mothers' awareness such as age groups and maternal education with the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major (P-Value = ۰.۹۸ and P-Value = ۰.۲۲, respectively). Conclusion:  Informing and educating before marriage for high-risk families with thalassemia children, as well as financial support for low-income families can inform parents, prevent the birth of thalassemia, and improve the quality of life of these patients.

Keywords:

Beta-Thalassemia , Awareness , Prenatal diagnosis