Social characteristics of a hemophilia clinic population. A survey and literature review.

The incidence and variety of social dysfunction in one hemophilia clinic patient population were identified through questionnaires completed by professionals; comparison with other hemophilia populations, as cited in the literature, revealed only slight differences. All population studies show a high incidence of social dysfunction, with little change through the years. Several apparent reasons for these findings in our patient population are: (a) the full effects of home treattment have not yet been felt or tabulated because questionnaires were completed during transition years when the rate of home treament went for 13% to 48%, (b) the complications of treatment are high, and (c) supportive educational and psychiatric services are scarce. A reassessment of social functioning of our patient population would be appropriate in six months to a year from now, to assess the impact of increased home treatment. Inhibitor patients in our clinic worked as frequently as other hemophiliacs and showed a slightly lower incidence of disability pay. Figures on social problems of inhibitor patients have not been found elsewhere in the literature.