Mothers’ Awareness and Experiences of Having a Thalassemic Child: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the mothers’ level of awareness regarding thalassemia and their experiences of having a thalassemic child. A total of (N=64) mothers are chosen as participants. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is carried out. Majority of the children’s parents is cousins but they are not screened for thalassemia before marriage and despite of the birth of thalassemic child, they are unaware about prenatal diagnosis. The study highlights the need of implementing effective public educational programs and to make premarital screening compulsory for general public to reduce the prevalence rate of the disease.