The psychological burden of patients with beta thalassemia major in Syria.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to identify the psychosocial burden of thalassemia on children with beta-thalassemia major in Damascus, Syria. METHODS: The sample consisted of thalassemic patients aged 6-18 years old, admitted to the thalassemia center in Damascus, accompanied by their parents. The parents answered a structured questionnaire (developed by Ratip & Modell) on behalf of their children. RESULTS: The psychosocial burden affected many aspects of life such as education, time off school, sporting capabilities, difference from friends/siblings, social interactions, family adjustment, anxiety, isolation, and stigmatization. Results indicated a significant association between socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, school grade, current schooling, work, family income, and the occurrence of complications with the psychosocial burden variables including education, time off school, sporting capabilities, difference from friends, social interactions and stigmatization. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the need for psychological support as well as medical help for thalassemic families. Health professionals need to assess the psychological status of children with thalassemia and that of their families in order to minimize these burdens; thus, nurses must provide psychosocial support for children with thalassemia and encourage other family members to assist in providing support for the affected children. IMPLICATION: The current study triggered the need for new policies and new roles for the community health nurse and social workers as well as the need for counseling and educational programs for children with thalassemia.

Barriers to diabetes control from Syrian women's perspectives.

AIM: Diabetes constitutes a major public health problem and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to diabetes control of middle-aged Syrian women with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A qualitative approach was adopted using conventional content analysis of semi-structured interviews carried out with 12 women with type 2 diabetes in the diabetic center in Lattakia (Syria) between March 2010 and December 2010. The participants were recruited by the purposeful sampling method. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: (i) a poor patient-healthcare provider relationship; (ii) inadequate education; (iii) and psychosocial problems. The first theme had two subthemes: (i) relationship with doctors; and (ii) relationship with nurses. The second theme was without subthemes. The third theme consisted of six subthemes: (i) work and family responsibilities; (ii) motherhood role; (iii) lack of social support; (iv) anxiety; (v) depression; and (vi) low self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: The findings support that effective relationships can be enhanced through active listening and by opening a free channel for the flow of ideas and information between patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, providers have an important role to play in learning to identify and manage the psychosocial problems that arise in living with diabetes, so that their patients can be supported in overcoming barriers to managing their diabetes more effectively.