Socioeconomic Challenges of Adult Thalassemia Major Patients in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study on Education, Employment, and Marital Status

Abstract

Background: With advances in medical care and increased life expectancy, adults with thalassemia major now face long-term social and economic challenges that significantly impact their quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the educational attainment, marital status, and employment situation of adult patients with thalassemia major in southeastern Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 on 170 thalassemia major (TM) patients aged ≥ 18 years in southeastern Iran. Data on demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic variables—including age, education level, employment status, marital status, serum ferritin levels, and type of iron chelator—were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 20 and the chi-square test. Results: Among the participants, 45.9% were male and 54.1% female, with a mean age of 25.44 ± 5.3 years. Most patients were single (83.5%), unemployed (81.8%), and had a diploma or lower educational attainment (55.9%). Among the married patients (16.5%), 28.6% had spouses with TM, and only 25% had children. The most common comorbidities were cardiomyopathy (58.8%) and osteoporosis (51.8%). Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in illiterate patients compared to educated ones (P 0.05). Conclusions: The findings highlight a concerning gap in the socioeconomic well-being of adult thalassemia major patients. Addressing educational, occupational, and familial needs through targeted policies and support systems can significantly enhance their mental health and overall quality of life. Improving income stability may also facilitate marriage and family formation in this population.