Factors contributing to anxiety in adolescents surviving thalassemia major in Indonesia.

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia major is a significant public health concern, passed from parents to children, which can be mitigated through screening programs. Inconsistencies in blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy result in physical changes that can cause psychological problems, with anxiety being the most prominent. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing anxiety levels among adolescent thalassemia major survivors.

Methods: The research utilized a quantitative approach with a correlational analytic design and cross-sectional method. It included a population of 122 adolescent survivors, all of whom were included using a total sampling technique. Data analysis involved univariate analysis by frequency distribution, bivariate analysis using the chi-square test, and multivariate analysis with logistic regression.

Results: The findings of the study showed that adolescent thalassemia survivors experienced varying levels of anxiety: mild anxiety in 70.5%, moderate anxiety in 9.8%, and severe anxiety in 19.7%. Significant associations were observed between anxiety levels and factors such as body image (p < 0.001), self-esteem, and coping strategies, while social support did not show a significant relationship. Body image was identified as the most impactful factor, with poor body image raising the risk of severe anxiety by 11.6 times.

Conclusions: Anxiety is common among adolescent thalassemia survivors, with body image, self-esteem, and coping skills being key factors. Poor body image notably increases the risk of severe anxiety, emphasizing the need for psychological support focused on body image, self-esteem, and coping strategies to improve mental health in this group.