Perception of Parents of Thalassemic Child to Thalassemia in Pakistan

Background Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by reduced hemoglobin synthesis. Aim of our study is to assess the parental knowledge of thalassemia patients and their awareness regarding treatment and preventive measures against thalassemia. Methods It is an observational study done at Ali Zaib Foundation Thalassemia Center in Sahiwal, Pakistan, in May 2019. One hundred parents were enrolled in this study and a subjective questionnaire was used to collect data through direct structured survey method over a period of 30 days. Results There were parents of 62 (62%) male patients and 38 (38%) female patients, with a median age of 8.5 ± 6.2 years. Forty-three (43%) parents were illiterate while eight (8%) parents were highly educated. Sixty-six (66%) patients were born to parents with consanguineous marriages. Eighty-two (82%) parents were aware of thalassemia, 72 (72%) were aware of the risk of thalassemia due to cousin marriages, 76 (76%) parents were aware of the importance of prenatal diagnosis (PND), while 88 (88%) believed that a PND was beneficial. Fifty-two (52%) parents knew about thalassemia treatment, 80 (80%) were aware of the importance of blood screening, and 14 (14%) patients were receiving iron chelation therapy. Seventy-eight (78%) parents were aware of thalassemia prevention. All parents believed that the public requires awareness of the importance of premarital screening and PND. Conclusion Parental awareness regarding β-thalassemia, its treatment and prevention is fair but far from ideal. Premarital screening, provision of accurate information to the public by professionals, and adequate screening and PND of at-risk families can significantly reduce the rates of thalassemias.