The effect of psychoeducation program on hope, stress coping, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with Thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND

Thalassemia major is an inherited public health condition associated with significant psychosocial challenges due to its chronic course and complications.

AIM: This study aimed to examine the effect of a psychoeducation program on hope, stress coping, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with thalassemia major.

METHOD: This randomized controlled trial used a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design. The study was conducted at the Thalassemia Center in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus between January and July 2021. Sixty adult patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups using a computer-generated randomization procedure. Data were collected using the patient information form, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Stress Coping Styles Scale, and Brief Symptom Inventory. The intervention group received an eight-session psychoeducation, while the control group continued with routine care.

RESULTS

Significant differences in Beck Hopelessness Scale scores were observed between the intervention and control groups across all measurements. In the intervention group, significant differences were observed in the post-test and follow-up mean scores in the submissive approach and seeking social support approach subscales of the Stress Coping Styles Scale. Analysis of the Brief Symptom Inventory indicated a significant decline in anxiety symptoms at follow-up in the intervention group, while no significant changes were observed in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The psychoeducation program improved hope levels, promoted adaptive coping strategies, and reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with thalassemia major. Psychoeducation can be used to enhance psychological well-being in this patient group.