Biopsychosocial Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Thalassemia in Thammasat University Hospital
Pacharapan Surapolchai MD*, Wallee Satayasai MD*, Phakatip Sinlapamongkolkul MD*, Umaporn Udomsubpayakul Bsc**
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand ** Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objectives: To determine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with thalassemia in order to explore physical and
psychosocial factors affecting on their QOL.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital, Pathum Thani. Socio-
demographic factors and clinical characteristics were obtained from seventy-five of transfusion-dependent and non-transfused
thalassemia patients. The PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales (Thai version) were administered to determine the patients and
their parents’ perspectives.
Results : The mean (SD) of total HRQOL score was 78.50 (2.05) for children who were self-reporting and it was 73.41 (2.22)
for parent proxy-report, that were comparable with population norms. The stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated
that total HRQOL score of child self-report was negatively predicted by lower family income, early age onset of anemia before
2 years and under covered by Universal Health Coverage Scheme. The negative predictors of total HRQOL score of parent
proxy-report were regular transfusion every 1-2 months, while self medical payment was positively predictive.
Conclusion : The HRQOL in children with thalassemia was not only determined by disease severity and treatment but also
by family financial impacts for caring of children. Health care interventions should be implemented to support in various
domains of life.
Keywords : Thalassemia, Health-related quality of life, PedsQLTM
