Educational Needs Regarding Thalassemia and Related Factors for Couples

Thalassemia is the most common genetic disease in humans and is considered as a growing health problem worldwide. Due to its importance، thalassemia prevention program has considerable importance in Iran. This study aimed to examine the educational needs about thalassemia and related for candidate married couples in Qom، Iran. This cross sectional study was carried out on 420 marriage candidate who referred to Amir Al Momenin counseling center in Qom. Samples were selected by judgmental and convenient sampling. Data were collected with questionnaires. Statistical analysis of data was performed by SPSS software version 16. P < 0. 05 was considered significant. The average age of marriage was 25. 35 in men and 20. 81 in women. Media was mentioned as the most important source of providing information about thalassemia. In total 20. 7% of the subjects had good information، 42. 9% had average and 36. 4 % of them had weak awareness about the disease. Also in terms of attitude، 15% had good attitude، 61% had moderate and 24% poor attitude towards prevention and the need for marriage counseling. There was no significant difference regarding knowledge and attitudes between men and women (P > 0. 05). As it was shown in the results، marriage candidates lack efficient information and knowledge about thalassemia، therefore designing multilateral educational interventions is essential.