Psychological symptoms in patients with hemoglobinopathies

• Grant number: 23/05856-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal Investigator: Érika Arantes de Oliveira-Cardoso
• Grantee: Vitoria Fernandes Andreossi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chronic health conditions encompass a vast category of diseases that are similar in that they require continuous management over a period of several years or decades and globally affect the health and quality of life of millions of people. Within the broad spectrum of chronic diseases are chronic hematological diseases, that is, those that involve the impairment of different blood components. The literature points to a possible correlation between psychological symptoms and chronic diseases, but the nature of this mutual influence is not well established and is still being explored. In this context, the present project aims to survey the psychological symptoms of patients with hemoglobinopathies. This is a quantitative, descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study. The sample will consist of 50 patients with hemoglobinopathy (Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia), monitored at a Blood Center in the interior of the state of São Paulo. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) will be used as instruments, which allows a broad survey of symptoms related to mental health. Data collection will be carried out individually and in person during the patients' outpatient visits. The data will be quoted according to the recommendations of the techniques, tabulated, and submitted to statistical analysis. The aim is to obtain a deeper understanding of the emotional distress of these patients and offer subsidies for interventions by the multidisciplinary team.