An Exploratory Study to assess the Level of Stress and Associated Factors among Parents of Children with Thalassemia in Pediatric Unit at Selected Hospitals of Punjab, 2014

An Exploratory study was conducted on parents of children with thalassemia in selected hospitals of Punjab. The study comprised of 150 parents selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by using Socio-demographic variables sheet and Modified perceived stress Scale to assess the level of stress and checklist to assess the factors affecting stress. The results shown that Majority of the parents 139 (92.67%) had moderate level of stress and minority of parents 11 (7.33%) had severe level of stress and Miscellaneous factors that were 71.33%, most responsible factors affecting stress which comes under 1st rank whereas social factors that were 18.16% is least responsible factor for affecting stress among parents of thalassemic children which comes under 4th rank. As per item analysis of factors in social factors the second statement (Do you hesitate to share feelings with your friends about your child's condition?) had more response it is 72(66.05%). The study concluded that the parents need more awareness and education about thalassemia to deal with their child's critical condition.

To assess the level of stress among parents of children with thalassemia.

To explore the factors affecting stress among parents of children with thalassemia.

To find out the association between the factors affecting stress among parents of children with thalassemia with selected socio-demographic variables.

Non experimental, exploratory design (descriptive design)

Paediatric Units of selected hospitals of Punjab

The parents of children with thalassemia

The sample of the study consisted of 150 parents of children with thalassemia

Purposive Sampling Technique

The findings of the study has shown that out of 150 samples majority of parents 139(92.67%) had moderate stress and 11(7.33%) had severe stress and due to associated factors of stress, findings reveals that, Miscellaneous factors that are 71.33% falls in rank 1st and it is most responsible factor affecting stress whereas Social factors that are 18.16% falls in 4th rank. So it is less responsible factor for affecting stress among parents of thalassemic children.