Ahmed Meelad R, Abd Hamid IJ, Hashim IF, Zainudeen ZT, Abu Bakar FF, Taib F, Mohamad N, Mangantig E, Ismail IH, Abdul Latiff AH, Mohd Noh L. Impact of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases on the Life Experiences of Patients in Malaysia From the Caregivers' Perspective: A Qualitative Study.
Front Pediatr 2022;
10:846393. [PMID:
35433547 PMCID:
PMC9008591 DOI:
10.3389/fped.2022.846393]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are chronic diseases that affect the various aspects of a patient's life. However, the impact of living with PIDs is poorly described.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the living experience challenges among the Malaysian caregivers of the patients with PID who underwent a follow-up in the Universiti Sains Malaysia or those registered members of the Malaysian PIDs Society.
Methodology
The study was conducted from March 1 to May 30, 2021. The parents of children with PIDs were invited to participate for a semi-structured in-depth interview at the PID clinics in the USM. The estimated time of each interview was 30 min. The semi-structured interview was performed via a telephone call because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The audio recording of each interview was transcribed and translated from Malay to English. Subsequently, a thematic analysis utilizing the ATLAS.ti software was performed.
Results
The thematic analysis revealed five main themes, which are living with fear and anxiety with four sub-themes (sickness, psychological issues, fear of infections and hereditary issues), PID healthcare support struggles with four sub-themes (PID health system, treatment, diagnosis and financial issues), knowledge with two sub-themes (educational issues and disease understanding), social constraint with two sub-themes (relationships and social isolations) and coping with three sub-themes (acceptance, child health improvement and emotional hygiene).
Conclusion
Living with fear and anxiety is a major theme impacting the living experiences of Malaysian patients with PIDs. Improvements in healthcare delivery and disease education are needed to ensure optimal quality of life.
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