ASSESSMENT OF ADHERENCE TO IRON CHELATION THERAPY AMONG PALESTINIANS WITH THALASSEMIA AT AL-WATANI GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITAL, NABLUS, PALESTINE
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Date
2024-09-19
Authors
Ieran, Zein
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Introduction: Adherence to iron chelation therapy is a crucial step in reducing excess iron levels in the body, as all patients aim to decrease iron levels beyond the normal range. Factors such as age, having a sibling with thalassemia, lack of parental supervision, lower family income, infrequent blood transfusions, and psychological issues are likely to be investigated as significant predictors of nonadherence. Additionally, the relationship between disease knowledge and adherence status will be examined. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the high prevalence of poor adherence to iron chelation therapy among patients. Therefore, nurses should regularly assess, monitor, and encourage adherence behaviors that could impact patient outcomes.
Aim: To assess different barriers to adherence patients with Beta thalassemia included patient-related factors, medications-related factors, sociocultural-related factors, environmental context and resources, and patient–health care provider relationship factors
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design is adopted to assess the adherence for thalassemia patients of the National Thalassemia Center at the National Hospital, Nablus. The sample size of 120 thalasemia patients. Data was collected using an direct interview or by phone that composed questionnaire of three parts. The first part of the questionnaire Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the samples in Thalassemia center the second part of the questionnaire included Assessment of disease knowledge gaps among thalassemia patients. And the third part of the questionnaire on adherence patient to iron chelation therapy.Collected data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 21. P value of <0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: Nearly equal gender distribution (63% males, 57% females) and a predominant age range of 18 to 26 years were studied. Adherence to iron c helation therapy correlated with lower ferritin levels, indicating treatment efficacy. Notably, both adherent and non-adherent patients demonstrated a good understanding of thalassemia, suggesting sufficient disease knowledge among the participants. However, adherence positively influenced patient satisfaction with hospital treatment and medical services, highlighting the importance of patient education and support systems in enhancing treatment adherence and overall healthcare experience.
Conclusion: The study concluded that many patients at the National Governmental Hospital in Nablus show adherence to iron chelation therapy. However, challenges remain, including difficulties in obtaining medication and external influences that affect adherence despite adequate knowledge. The role of health care providers is important in strengthening relationships between the patient and the service provider, providing multidisciplinary care, highlighting the importance of education and continuous support for patients, in addition to addressing the obstacles that lead to patients’ non-compliance with treatment.