Repository of DUTH

Μελέτη της ποιότητας ύπνου και ποιότητας ζωής σε ασθενείς με μεσογειακή αναιμία (Master thesis)

Λιώση, Μαρίνα

Sleep constitutes a biological need of great importance for humans occupying up to a third of their total lifetime. Sleep plays a crucial role in the maintenance of both physical and mental well-being given that its duration and quality are warranted. Furthermore studying sleep patterns in particular patient subpopulations with chronic underlying co-morbidities is vital due to its close association with quality of life. Studying quality of life in patients with chronic and severe diseases is of utmost significance because disease often results in feelings of incompetence. Moreover it is necessary to develop a robust socio-psychologic network for the effective support of debilitated patients. Beta thalassemia major is an inherited disorder caused by reduced or absent synthesis of the beta chains of hemoglobin. Improved therapeutic interventions have increased life expectancy of such patients and have rendered beta thalassemia a chronic disease. The present study investigates the quality of sleep and quality of life in patients with β-thalassemia major transfused into the Thalassemia Transfusion Unit of the Corinth General Hospital. Patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires on sleep quality and the Duke Anxiety-Depression Scale (DUKE-AD) on quality of life. The results of the study showed that these patients have significant problems in their sleep as well as psychiatric disorders that affect their quality of life. The correlation between hemoglobin values before transfusion of patients with Pittsburgh and DUKE questionnaires showed that low hemoglobin values affect both the quality of sleep and the quality of life of patients with β-thalassemia major. Factors that affect and regulate sleep quality and quality of life in patients with β-thalassemia major need further investigation, so that comprehensive treatment is provided by health professionals in the best possible way.