Background: Hemostatic treatment for patients with hemophilia( PWH) has improved. The aim of this study was to clarify school status and social life among young boys with hemophilia, as well as their mothers’ frustrations.
Methods: A questionnaire survey was completed anonymously by mothers of hemophilic boys.
Results: A total of 27 mothers of 30 PWHs completed the survey. Twenty-three PWHs had received prophylactic treatment, and 22 received home infusion therapy. Twenty-seven PWHs had attended preschool, and 18 had participated in all preschool/school events. When factor concentrates needed to be infused during overnight events, many mothers requested the assistance of medical staff until the PWHs were junior high school students. When they were high school students, eight PWHs were able to infuse themselves. Four PWHs were reported to infuse alone, hiding from the public eye. Mothers’ chief source of frustration was“ infusion failure on busy mornings.”
Conclusion: This study indicates that the progress of treatment for PWHs may improve the school or social life of patients. However, these patients’ family support is also essential for the patients’ treatment. Medical support, such as advice about where to self-infuse during overnight events is needed for PWHs.