Effects of a positive thinking program on hope and sleep quality in Iranian patients with thalassemia: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Thalassemia have a negative impact on the patients' psychological health and sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the effects of a positive thinking training program on hope and sleep quality of patients with thalassemia major. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 patients with thalassemia major including 36 males (46.2%) and 42 females (53.8%) with a mean age of 25.56 +/- 29.6 in Iran. Subjects were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. Experimental group received 16 h training based on positive thinking materials published by Martin Seligman. Control group received only usual programs. Data were collected at baseline, as well as immediately and one month after the intervention, using Snyder's Hope Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Software 18.0; statistical tests included the independent T-test, the Chi-square, Mann Whitney, and Friedman test. Significance level was set at 0.05 in this study. Results: The experimental group had a significantly higher mean hope score compared to the control group immediately (45.38 +/- 7.82 vs. 35.32 +/- 5.54, P<0.001) and one month following intervention (44.67 +/- 3.47 vs. 35 +/-.54, P<0.001). Moreover, the mean sleep quality scores of the experimental group was significantly greater than that for control group immediately (5.35 +/- 2.02 vs. 7 +/- 2.4, P=0.004) and one month after the intervention (4.23 +/- 2.2 vs.7.02 +/- 3.03, P<0.001). Conclusion: Since our training program on positive thinking improved hope and quality of sleep in patients with thalassemia major, we recommend the use of such courses as an important step toward promotion of hope and sleep quality among these patients.

Automated summary

This study conducted a positive thinking training program for patients with thalassemia major to improve their hope and sleep quality. Results showed that the training significantly increased the hope score and improved the sleep quality of the patients immediately and one month after the intervention.