Awareness About Thalassemia Among the Parents of Thalassemic Children in Balochistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Thalassemia major is the most common genetic disorder, affecting 60,000 individuals annually worldwide. It involves reduced or absent synthesis of hemoglobin chains, leading to severe anemia. Awareness of its transmission, diagnosis, and prevention is crucial in reducing incidence, especially in high-risk families. This study assessed parental awareness of thalassemia in Kech, Balochistan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kech Thalassemia Care Center, Turbat, Balochistan, from May to October 2023, involving 190 parents of children diagnosed with β-thalassemia major. Participants were selected using a convenience-purposive sampling method. A structured questionnaire was developed, piloted, and used for data collection after obtaining informed consent. Ethical approval was granted by Mekran Medical College Turbat. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20. Bayesian linear regression analysis was applied to assess associations.

RESULTS

The mean ages of fathers and mothers were 38.18 ± 9.78 and 32.28 ± 7.80, respectively. Most participants (55.3%) lived in rural areas; 63.2% of mothers were illiterate, while 62.6% of fathers were educated. Only 13.7% recognized thalassemia as an inherited disease, and 91.6% were unaware of premarital and antenatal screening. Blood transfusion was seen as the only treatment by 81.1%, and 50% acknowledged the role of consanguinity. Awareness was poor in 48.9% and good in only 4.7% consanguinity and residency showed a significant association with awareness.

CONCLUSION

Parental awareness of thalassemia was inadequate. residency and consanguinity were significantly associated with awareness, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions.