Quality of life issues in Caregivers of youngsters with Thalassemia

Objective. To assess the contribution of psychiatric problems, concerns regarding the illness to Quality of Life (QOL) in caregivers. Methods. Forty four caregivers were screened for psychiatric problems using the General Health Questionnaire 12 item version (GHQ-12) and their concerns and QOL were assessed using the Concerns Checklist and the EQ5D respectively. Clinical psychiatric interview was conducted for those qualifying for GHQ caseness and a psychiatric diagnosis was ascribed. These were correlated with the Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule/ GHQ-12 scores ( as appropriate) and the EQ5D score of the youngster. Results. Fifty seven percent of the caregivers had psychiatric problems, with depressive disorders in 19/44 (45%) QOL was affected in 50% (Pain/discomfort (n = 19, 45%), Mobility ( n = 7, 17%), Depression and Usual activities dimensions (n= 6, 14% each). The greatest concerns were regarding the future (91%), illness (80%) and finances (73%). Conclusion. Caregiver support through psychological interventions or medication would alleviate psychiatric problems and concerns and contribute towards a better QOL.