Evaluation of Effect of Family Practice Consultation on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Major beta Thalassemic's Parents in the Prevention Program in Southeast of Iran

Six to10 % of the population in Sistan and Baloochestan (S&B) province are minor beta thalassemic. On the other hand, in1379, the General Fertility Rate (GFR) in S&B was the highest in Iran (113 births per1000) and this index was even higher among the major thalassemic's family (155.6 births per 1000). Therefore, it is estimated that annually there would be 35 additional new cases of thalassemia in this region, which would lead to uncontrollable health and socioeconomic problems in the near future. Consultation can be used as a mean by which information can be dissipated and has an influence on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of people. However, the extent of this in this society has not been studied before. Therefore, we decided to project a standard family planning program with well trained consultants in thalassemia ward in Zahedan and evaluate its effectiveness to improve KAP among thalassemic's parents about birth control. Subjects and We scheduled at least 7 consultations for one or both of the parents in each family, during a period of one year (1379-1380). Parents of 167 families were studied and responded to a pre- and post-test questionnaires. There was a significant decline in GFR, relative to the previous year, from 155.68 to 47.9 in 1000. In the previous year there were 43.3 % unplanned pregnancies versus non during the year of our study. In addition, there was reduction in the influence of cultural aspects (religion and education) on KAP related to birth control (p<0.01). However, there were eight planned pregnancies.The findings from this study showed that implementation of continuous standard family planning program throughout the country, especially in poor regions is an important factor in the control of thalassemia in our country. However, persistence on planned pregnancies, dictate that prenatal diagnosis is mandatory to control thalassemia as a complementary optional measure in this region.