Impact of Lifestyle Modification Module on Adherence to Therapeutic Regimen of Children and Adolescents with Beta Thalassemia Major

Abstract

Healthy lifestyle behaviors are important for thalassemic children and adolescents to prevent disease-related
complications and improve quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lifestyle modification
module on adherence of children and adolescent suffering from beta-thalassemia major. Design: A quasiexperimental design was utilized to conduct the study. Sampling: A purposive sample comprised of 80
children & adolescents with beta thalassemia major. Tools: I-Interviewing questionnaire, II-Children
adherence tools: It was used to assess children and adolescents’ adherence with: (a) Medication (Morisky),
(b) Therapeutic regimen (diet, physical exercise, and follow up). (c) Levels of perceived stress, (d) Sleep
quality domains and developed intervention lifestyle modifications module.
Results: This study revealed that more than three quarter had satisfactory knowledge about ß-TM post
lifestyle modification module implementation and the majority of children and adolescents with ß-TM were
adherent to taking medicines yesterday post module implementation.
Conclusion: There were significant improvements of knowledge and adherence of the studied children and
adolescents with ß-TM to therapeutic regimen post the lifestyle modification module application and there
were positive correlations between all variables of the studied children and adolescents with ß-TM.