Abstract

The function of every family has a significant impact on the health of its members. Thalassemia is a chronic disease and, as the most common genetic disorder in the world, affects different aspects of life, including emotional well-being. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between well-being in children with a Thalassemia major and the function of their families, in Isfahan, Iran, in 2013. This was a cross sectional study and census sampling was used to collect the data. The study sample consisted of 97 children with thalassemia at the age of 10-16 years who referred to the clinic of Imam Reza, Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital in Isfahan. The subjects were evaluated using the Adolescent Psychological Wellbeing Scale and Family Functioning Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was a reverse relationship between the overall score of family functioning and illness score of children with thalassemia (r=-0.377, P<0.001). In other words, children with thalassemia who are in families with a higher functionality have a greater sense of well-being. Among the 15 aspects of family functioning, the aspect of expressiveness and Lack of independence had the highest correlation with well-being in children with thalassemia. However, the aspect of locus of control and Disengagement had the lowest correlation with their well-being. The results of this study showed that there is a direct relationship between family functioning and emotional well-being of children with thalassemia major. Therefore, an important task of public health nurses is to improve the function of families in various aspects. The strengthening of family planning and implementation of projects in this regard is also necessary. 

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