The Effectiveness of Stress Management and Resilience Training on Psychological Well-Being in Patients with Thalassemia in Bangladesh

Background: Thalassemia is a chronic blood disorder that significantly impacts the psychological well-being of patients. Stress, pain, and rejection sensitivity are common concerns, affecting their quality of life. Stress Management and Resilience Training (SMART) has been shown to improve psychological resilience and coping mechanisms in various populations. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of SMART in improving psychological well-being among patients with thalassemia in Bangladesh.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Bangladesh Medical College and Hospital from December 2023 to December 2024. A total of 30 thalassemia patients aged 20-30 years were recruited using random allocation, with 15 participants in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. Psychological well-being was assessed using the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being. The experimental group underwent a 10-week SMART intervention, while the control group received usual care. Data were collected using KoBoToolbox and analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) in R Programming (version 4.3.2).

Results: The study found that the SMART intervention significantly improved psychological well-being, reduced rejection sensitivity, and enhanced resilience in patients with thalassemia. Post-intervention scores showed notable improvements in multiple domains of well-being in the SMART group, while the control group exhibited no significant changes. These findings highlight the effectiveness of structured stress management and resilience training in enhancing mental health.

Conclusion: The SMART intervention significantly improved psychological well-being, reduced rejection sensitivity, and enhanced resilience in patients with thalassemia. These findings suggest that structured stress management and resilience training can be an effective strategy for enhancing mental health outcomes in this patient population.

Keyword: Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention, Psychological Well-Being, Resilience, Stress Management, Thalassemia.