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INTRODUCTION: Major thalassemia is a hereditary, chronic blood disease caused by the synthesis deficiency of one or more polypeptide chains of globin during childhood. This leads to the rise of blood pressure and family tensions. Therefore, the coping strategies of the family could seriously affect and facilitate the thalassemic child's healthy growth. The present research sought to investigate the mental health and coping strategies of families with major thalassemic children in Bandar Abbas in 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is of a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional type. Research population consisted of 140 parents of major thalassemic children who visited Shahid Mohammadi Hospital of Bandar Abbas. The instruments used were the 12-item General Health Questionnaire of Goldberg and Williams along with the coping strategies questionnaire. Nonprobabilistic, convenient sampling method was used. To analyze the data, Spearman's correlation coefficient, Chi-square and descriptive statistical tests were used. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that parents' mental health (32 ± 4.25) along with their coping strategy scores (45 ± 7.50) was about the average. The most prevalent coping strategies among the parents were represented as: "I trust in God in order to get my problems solved" (87%), "to get mentally and spiritually relieved, I would visit mosques and holy shrines" (53%), and "to overcome problems, I make harder attempts" (50.7%). A significant correlation was found between the parents' coping strategies and general health (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also observed between mother's educational level (P = 0.044), age (P = 0.022) and general health. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to the results of this research, it is categorical for the ministry of health and medical education and those in charge to pay special and adequate attention to the social, spiritual, and mental health of these children and their families.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF STUDY: Statistical indices show a growing increase in the elderly population around the world and our country. On the one hand, senior citizens are more exposed to tragic events than other age groups due to natural physiological changes. Falling down, accidents and scalds are among the most prevalent deadly events in this age group. Environmental security is vital in maintaining the elderly's health. Therefore, the present research was conducted seeking to determine the prevalence and causes of falls among the elderly hospitalized in Bandar Abbas hospitals. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The present research is of a descriptive, cross-sectional type. Research population is comprised of all the elderly patients in Bandar Abbas hospitals. The sample included 300 individuals who were selected according to convenience sampling method till the sample was saturated. The instrument used was a questionnaire and the data were also gathered through interviews. The collected data were later analyzed by SPSS version 16. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used along with the Chi-squared test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: From among the 300 subjects, 47.3% had experienced falls since the age of 60. In 22 of cases, it had led to injury and they were obliged to visit a doctor. The results of this research revealed that the causes of falls among the elderly were respectively: 43.33% of unbalance, 12.3% of poor eyesight, 11.66% of non-existing handles or fences, 12% of slippery ground, 2.66% of insufficient lightning, 8.66% of unbalance and poor eyesight and 9.33% of other reasons. As the results revealed, a correlation existed between falls and educational level (P < 0.025). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between sex and falls (P < 0.011). A similar significant correlation was also observed between the place of residence and falling down (P < 0.045). CONCLUSION: According to the research results, planning to prevent events and traumas among the elderly and securing their residential environment is of an essential significance.
