Evaluating the Effect of Peer Education on the Hope of Patients with Thalassemia Major: A quasi-experimental study

Objective: Thalassemia major (TM) is one of the most common chronic genetic disorders in today’s world. The psychological impacts of this disease can affect patients’ hopes. Considering the positive role and importance of suitable educational methods, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of peer education on the hope of patients with TM. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental single-group study performed on 50 patients with TM undergoing treatment in Zabol in 2020. Patients were recruited by the continuous sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the Snyder’s Hope Scale. Patients were educated in groups by eligible peers in 2 sessions each for 60 minutes. Hope was measured before and one month after the educational sessions. Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 20. Results: The mean age of the participants was 24.5 (4.24) years. At the pretest, the mean score of total hope was 26.72 ± 5.82, which increased to 28.21 ± 5.11 at the posttest (P = 0.028). The mean hope score of patients in the pathway thinking dimension (P = 0.01), significantly increased after peer education. Despite an increase in the score of the agency thinking dimension, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.297). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that peer education can improve hope in patients with TM. So, considering that this educational method is easy, cheap, and experienced-based, it can be used in combination with other health care measures to improve TM patients’ hope. Keywords: Peer Group; Hope; Thalassemia Major; Beta-Thalassemia; Patient Education.