How Life Would Be Without Thalassaemia: Patients' Perceptions

Abstract

This article focuses on the experiences of patients with thalassaemia in Cyprus. Through a qualitative study of 10 patients and their spouses, this paper shows that thalassaemia is a restricting experience due to blood transfusions and especially iron-chelation therapy, while without such a disease, patients would be better able to fulfil their goals in life. The research participants indicated that thalassaemia impacts on patients' personal identities and the fatigue and stigma that they often experience can cause disruption to their routine, social life, and leisure activities. The study was part of a larger quantitative study of the quality of life of patients with thalassaemia and was co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Regional Development Fund (EU). ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of Cyprus Review is the property of University of Nicosia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)