Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
2
Student Research Committee of Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
3
Clinical Research Development Unit of Ganjavian Hospital, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
4
Department of Operating Room Nursing, School of Paramedical Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
10.22062/jqrhs.2026.201547.1641
Abstract
Background: Beta thalassemia major (BTM) is a congenital blood disorder caused by a defect in the hemoglobin chain, leading to anemia and increased iron load, which can affect all organs. The complications arising from thalassemia impact various aspects of the patient's life. Spouses, as informal caregivers, need to adapt to their partner's condition to enhance their quality of life. This study aims to elucidate the role function and interdependent dimensions in spouses of patients with the disease in Dezful City.
Methods: In this directional content analysis based on Roy's theory, 12 purposively selected participants were included, and in-depth interviews were conducted with them about their role function and interdependent experiences. The researcher recorded and transcribed their responses. After multiple readings of the participants' statements, codes were extracted and organized into subcategories, generic categories, and main categories based on semantic proximity. Content analysis was performed using the methods of Elo and Kyngäs, with a back-and-forth approach between inductive and deductive reasoning.
Results: Two main categories emerged from the data analysis: role function and interdependence. Additionally, seven generic categories, 19 subcategories, and 251 codes were extracted, resulting in 47 unique codes after removing duplicates.
Conclusion: This article shows that spouses of patients with BTM play not only a caring role, but also a very essential managerial, emotional, and economic role. Therefore, integrated and multidimensional policymaking at the micro and macro levels is essential to support these individuals. Without structured support, the psychological and financial burden on spouses may lead to burnout and a decrease in the quality of life of the entire family.
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