Work

Sociodemographic Determinants of Adherence and Treatment Efficacy in Paediatric Thalassemia Patients from Sarbaz-Rask, Iran

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Effective management of iron overload in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) necessitates adherence to iron chelation therapy (ICT). This study evaluated adherence levels and identified sociodemographic and clinical factors impacting ICT adherence among paediatric TDT patients in a specialised, socioeconomically uniform environment in Sarbaz-Rask, Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed fifty-eight paediatric patients aged 2-18 years with major thalassemia at a day-care thalassemia transfusion clinic from April 2021 to March 2022. Adherence was evaluated using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and national adherence guidelines. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were performed to identify adherence and treatment efficacy predictors.Findings: Good adherence was observed in 58.6% of patients and was significantly associated with maternal Age (93.8% adherence for mothers aged 18-30 years; p=0.008) and urban residency (p=0.02). Logistic regression identified urban residency (OR=20.265, p=0.073) and younger maternal Age (18-30 years; OR=39.236, p=0.005) as critical predictors of adherence. Good treatment efficacy was observed in 27.6% of patients. A significant association was found between maternal Age and adherence in patients with poor control (p=0.007). Urban residents showed higher adherence rates, particularly among patients with poor control (p=0.017).Interpretation: This study highlights the significant influence of sociodemographic factors, particularly maternal Age and residential area, on adherence and treatment efficacy in pediatric TDT patients from Sarbaz-Rask, Iran. Younger maternal Age and urban residency emerged as strong predictors of better adherence. Targeted interventions and support for families in rural areas and those with older maternal Age are needed to promote better adherence and treatment outcomes in this population.

Source: Thalassemia Reports

DOI: 10.3390/thalassrep14030008

Authors: Atousa Babamohammadi, Qi Yuee Wang, Elham Mohajeri, Saeid Esmaeilian

Institutions: University College London, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,137