Shaligram, DGirimaji, S CChaturvedi, S K2007-08-062009-05-302007-08-062009-05-302007-08-06Shaligram D, Girimaji SC, Chaturvedi SK. Psychological problems and quality of life in children with thalassemia. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2007 Aug; 74(8): 727-30http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/83860OBJECTIVE: The study is aimed to assess psychological problems and quality of life (QOL) in children with thalassemia. METHODS: Thirty-nine children (8-16 yr) with transfusion dependent thalassemia attending day care services for blood transfusion were assessed for psychological problems using the Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule and QOL was assessed using the EQ-5D. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of the children had psychological problems and 74% had a poor QOL. Anxiety-related symptoms (67%), emotional problems, particularly depression (62%) and conduct problems (49%) were the main findings. The children were most likely to report impaired QOL due to severe difficulties in pain/discomfort (64%) dimension, followed by depression and mobility problems of equal severity (33%). The side effects of chelation were an independent predictor of psychological problems and impaired QOL. Also psychological problems were a significant predictor of impaired QOL. CONCLUSION: The recognition and management of the psychological problems that accompany chronic physical illnesses including thalassemia would optimize treatment outcomes and QOL.engAdolescentChi-Square DistributionChildChronic DiseaseFemaleHumansLinear ModelsMalePsychiatric Status Rating ScalesQuality of LifeRisk FactorsThalassemia --psychologyJournal Article