A Study was to Assess the Knowledge of Caregivers Regarding Thalassemia in Selected Hospital at Mysore with a View to Develop Information Booklet

Back Ground of the Study: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective production of hemoglobin and excessive destruction of red blood cells, which lead to anemia. All forms of thalassemia like thalassemia minor, thalassemia major, β-thalassemia-thalassemia are transmitted only through heredity. A symptom varies according the subtypes of it. The treatment includes frequent and lifelong blood transfusions, together with iron chelation. The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of caregivers regarding thalassemia in selected hospital at Mysuru with a view to develop information booklet". Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge of caregivers regarding thalassemia. 2. To find the association between the level of knowledge of caregivers regarding thalassemia with their selected personal variables. 3. To develop an information booklet regarding thalassemia. Methodology: Based on the nature of the problem and objectives of the study the research approach chosen for the study is descriptive approach. 60 samples were selected by non probability convenience sampling technique. The tools used for data collection consisted of proforma for socio-demographic data and structured knowledge questionnaire. Validity of the tool was appraised by four experts and was found to be valid for the study with required modification. Reliability of structured knowledge questionnaire was done using split half method and found 0.89 and the tools were found reliable. The pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of the study design at selected hospital of Mysuru. The collected data was analyzed on the basis of the objectives and hypothesis of the study by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed that 38(63.4%) caregivers had good level of knowledge and 21(35%) had average level of knowledge and 1(1.6%) had poor level of knowledge regarding thalassemia. The knowledge level ranged from 11-27. The mean knowledge level score was 20.10 with standard deviation of +_10.4. The study findings also revealed that there is no significant association between the level of knowledge of caregivers regarding thalassemia with the variables like age, gender, education status, occupation, family monthly income, relationship with the child, duration of illness, any exposure to health education programme regarding thalassemia and source of information. Discussion: The study findings concluded that majority of caregivers 38(63.4%) had good level of knowledge regarding thalassemia.