Adaptive functioning and psychosocial problems in children with beta thalassemia major

BACKGROUND: Beta thalassemia major is considered one of the serious health problems and the commonest hemoglobinopathy in Egypt that creates a burden not only on health system but also on the affected families and children who become vulnerable to emotional, social, psychological and behavioural problems. AIM: This study was designed to assess the psychosocial burden and the adaptive functioning in children with beta-thalassemia major. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A group of 50 children with thalassemia major and 50 normal children matched for age and sex were included in a case-control study. Vineland Adaptive Functioning Scale was used to assess the adaptive functions; while the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSCL) was used to assess psychosocial morbidity. RESULTS: A group of 50 children aged 5-17 years old with thalassemia major, their mean age was 11.05 ± 3.8, showed a statistically significant lower total adaptive behaviour score and communication subscale score. All the mean values of adaptive behaviour for cases and controls were within the average values. Results from the PSCL revealed no significant difference between mean scores of children with thalassemia and controls. A score of attention domain was markedly higher in children with thalassemia. Internalising behaviour was the most dominant as it was detected in 10% of the patient group. CONCLUSION: Thalassemic patients had a relatively mild affection for adaptive and psychosocial functioning that can be explained by social and medical support they receive, which may increase their competence and psychological wellbeing.