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Health-Related Quality of Life among Hemophilia Patients at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BackgroundHemophilia is a chronic bleeding disorder that significantly compromises the physical, psychological, and social wellbeing of affected individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with hemophilia and to identify its key determinants. Methods:This cross-sectional study included 80 hemophilia patients recruited through convenience sampling who completed a Bengali-validated SF-36 questionnaire and sociodemographic survey. Clinical data were collected from medical records and laboratory findings. HRQoL scores were analyzed using t-tests and regression to identify predictors of Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Results:Patients with hemophilia generally report poor HRQoL across multiple domains. Social Functioning had the highest mean score (44.4 ± 26.8), while General Health had the lowest (31.8 ± 19.5). The mean PCS and MCS scores were 35.8 ± 22.2 and 36.9 ± 21.0, respectively, indicating substantial impairment. Patients with severe hemophilia had significantly lower scores (PCS: 21.0 ± 14.8; MCS: 24.7 ± 13.7) than those with mild hemophilia (PCS: 44.5 ± 22.3; MCS: 46.6 ± 23.8). Joint limitations, hemarthrosis, and lower-body target joint involvement were significant negative predictors of HRQoL. Marital status and unemployment were associated with poorer MCS scores, whereas absence of comorbidities had a positive impact. Conclusion:This study highlights the markedly poor quality of life among patients with hemophilia, particularly those with severe disease and joint complications. Targeted interventions that address both physical and psychological challenges are critical for improving the HRQoL in this population.

Source: Haematology Journal of Bangladesh

DOI: 10.37545/haematoljbd2026162