Work

Socio-economic disparities in clinical outcomes of transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia patients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Reducing inequalities among patients with inherited, chronic, and complex disorders requiring lifelong care remains a global public health priority. Despite medical advances, inequalities in healthcare access and quality persist for patients with β-thalassaemia. This study examined the associations between socio-economic indicators at the individual and country levels and clinical outcomes in β-thalassaemia patients using data from the International Thalassaemia Collaborative Assessment Patient Survey. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from 971 patients across 45 countries were analysed. Individual-level socio-economic status (SES) was assessed through patients' educational attainment and employment status, while country-level SES was represented by the Human Development Index and the World Bank Income classification. Clinical outcomes included pre-transfusion haemoglobin levels, serum ferritin concentration, cardiac T2* score, and liver iron concentration. Inequalities were quantified using the Slope Index of Inequality, representing absolute differences in outcomes between patients of lowest and highest SES. RESULTS: All SES indicators were positively associated with better clinical outcomes. Higher education and full-time employment corresponded to better levels of haemoglobin, ferritin, cardiac, and liver iron measures. Similarly, patients living in higher-income countries had better clinical measures compared to those living in lower-income countries. These findings indicate that socio-economic advantage is linked with improved disease management and monitoring quality. DISCUSSION: Socio-economic determinants influence the clinical outcomes of transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia patients, which in turn affect their social integration and quality of life. Reducing these disparities requires investment in equitable healthcare systems, multidisciplinary care, and disease-specific public health policies.

Source: Journal of Health Population and Nutrition

DOI: 10.1186/s41043-026-01291-0

Authors: Demetris Avraam, Michael Angastiniotis, Elpidoforos S. Soteriades,, Androulla Eleftheriou

Institutions: University of Copenhagen, University of Liverpool, Open University of Cyprus

Language: English

Topic: Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,790