The Effect of Partnership Care Model on Mental Health of Patients with Thalassemia Major

BACKGROUND Thalassemia major has become a public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing and poor countries, while the role of educating the family and community has not been considered enough in patients' care. OBJECTIVES This study examines the impact of partnership care model on mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major. MATERIALS AND METHODS This experimental study, with pretest and posttest design, was performed on patients with beta-thalassemia major in Jiroft city. 82 patients with beta-thalassemia major were allocated randomly into two groups of intervention (41 patients) and control (n = 41) groups. Mental health of the participants was measured using the standard questionnaire GHQ-28 before and after intervention in both groups. The intervention was applied to the intervention group for 6 months, based on the partnership care model. RESULTS There were significant differences between the scores of mental health and its subscales between two groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study revealed the efficacy and usefulness of partnership care model on mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major; thus, implementation of this model is suggested for the improvement of mental health of patients with beta-thalassemia major.