Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin synthesis and the destruction of red blood cells, requiring frequent blood transfusions. This places significant psychosocial burdens on those affected, including disruptions to education from transfusion leave and limitations to physical activity, as well as dissatisfaction from stunted growth and delayed puberty. The condition also negatively impacts family members through worries and guilt, concerns about health and education costs, loss of working days, and potential depression from a child's death. The document recommends premarital counseling and testing to screen for thalassemia.

1. Psychosocial aspect of
Thalassemia
by
Dr Sayan Das
ID: 030818
MPH 8th Cohort, ICMR-SPH, NIE

2. What is thalassemia
• Genetical disorder having defective hemoglobin
synthesis
• Followed by destruction of RBC
• Required frequent blood transfusion

3. Psychosocial burden of thalassemia
(1/2)
• Education
• Leave from school for transfusion
• Academic performances hamper due to disease and
related problems
• Limited activity in outdoor sports due to
lethargy
• Dissatisfaction due to physical appearance-
stunted growth, pigmentation, delayed puberty
• Multiple visit to hospital- mental trauma

4. Psychosocial burden of thalassemia
(2/2)
• Child become rejectfull or overprotected
• Worried parents and siblings
• Guilty feeling of parents
• Concern about future health and education
• Financial burden to family
• Anxiety- how to get blood?
• Loss of working days
• Depression- death of child

5. Go for premarital counselling
– get tested for thalassemia
Thank you