Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Preventing Complications Among Adolescents With Severe Hemophilia

Abstract

Background:: Appropriate management of chronic conditions requires full knowledge of the situation-related complications and preventive behaviors, which can improve or eliminate these complications. It is also essential to evaluate treatment methods regularly, with respect to the features of each social group and the available resources. Objectives:: This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents with severe hemophilia, with regard to the prevention of related complications. Patients and Methods:: A pilot study was conducted in a hemophilia center (East Azerbaijan, Iran). In total, 40 adolescents with severe hemophilia were included in the study. The Nazzaro et al. questionnaire was conducted using a telephone interview. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 13). Results were expressed as frequencies, means and standard deviations. Results:: A relatively large proportion of the subjects (46% and 64%) had not been informed of the transmission methods of hepatitis B and C, respectively. Bleeding episodes (61%) and joint disorders (26%) were the main concerns for the majority of subjects. Less than half (38%) of the respondents had had an experience of managing a bleeding episode within a one hour period. Half of the subjects were involved in vigorous activity, which ranged from one to more than five days per week, and only 37% of the subjects participated in moderate physical activity for more than 5 days per week. Conclusions:: The current study highlights the need to improve the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents with severe hemophilia. The prevention of complications, can be assisted by providing; education, skill sessions and group discussions.