Abstract

Objective: To observe rate of depression, anxiety and quality of life with and without physical therapy regime in thalassemia patients.
Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 patients of beta thalassemia major (Cooley’s anemia) either those who took part in physical therapy exercise regime or did not take part in exercise regime. Participant’s age was between 13 to 30 years. They divided into physio and non-physio groups. We used SF36 and DASS21 scales. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 23.
Results: Out of 93 patients, 46 did not take part in exercise regime; their depression and anxiety rates (63% depression and 60% anxiety) were higher than those 46 patients of beta-thalassemia major who took part in physical exercise regime. Their depression and anxiety rates (30% depression and 23% anxiety) were lower. Overall Quality of Life of non- physio group were fair as compared to those who took part in exercise regime.
Conclusion: Physical exercise regime acts as an important factor in reducing depression, anxiety rates and improve Quality of Life.

Key words: Thallasemia, Cooley anemia, thrombocytes, QOL.