Hope Among Adolescents With Thalassemia in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Adolescents with thalassemia suffer from complex problems, which can include psychosocial issues, self-image and self-confidence problems, and disruption in school or social activities. Hope is a fundamental multidimensional psychological concept that refers to a person’s belief that desired outcomes will be achieved on the basis of rational and potential goals. This study aimed to examine hope and its associated factors among adolescents with thalassemia in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Thalassemia Polyclinic in four general public hospitals in West Java, Indonesia. The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) adolescents (10-19 years) who obtained frequent blood transfusions; (2) able to write, read and participate; and (3) aware of their own diagnosis. A convenience sample strategy was used to choose the participants. The Children’s Hope Scale was used to measure the outcome. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the factors associated with hope. The mean overall hope score among adolescents with thalassemia was 3.34 (SD = 1.15). The mean of agency was 2.78 (SD = 1.37) and of pathway was 3.89 (SD = 2.01). Age, transfusion period and hemoglobin explained 26.1% of the variance in the overall hope score; 23.8% was explained by the agency domain, and 30.1% by the pathway domain. This study demonstrated that hope plays a unique role in adolescents with thalassemia. As a result, it is critical to develop information and empirically based interventions that help adolescents’ caregivers to enhance their feelings of hope. Keywords: adolescents, hope, thalassemia, Indonesia