The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Treatment Adherence and Self-Efficacy Among Omani Adults With Thalassemia

Beta-thalassemia major is a chronic hereditary blood disorder that requires lifelong treatment, including regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Poor adherence to treatment remains a significant challenge and may lead to iron overload and related complications. Self-efficacy is an important factor influencing patients' ability to adhere to treatment recommendations. This study aims to evaluate the effect of nurse-delivered Motivational Interviewing (MI) on treatment adherence and self-efficacy among Omani adults with beta-thalassemia major. A pre-experimental one-group repeated-measures design will be used. Approximately 45 participants will be recruited from the Oman National Center for Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation and Royal Hospital in Muscat, Oman. Participants will receive three individualized MI sessions over a period of six to eight weeks. Treatment adherence and self-efficacy will be assessed at baseline, immediately after completion of the intervention, and at three-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include serum ferritin level and frequency of thalassemia-related hospital admissions. The findings will provide evidence regarding the usefulness of motivational interviewing in improving adherence-related outcomes among adults with beta-thalassemia major.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older. * Diagnosed with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia major. * Receiving iron chelation therapy for at least 6 months. * Receiving regular follow-up at the participating study sites. * Able to communicate in Arabic or English. * Willing and able to provide informed consent. * Able to attend the motivational interviewing sessions and complete study questionnaires. Exclusion Criteria: * Current hospitalization for an acute medical condition at the time of recruitment. * Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric illness that may affect participation. * Participation in another structured psychosocial or behavioral intervention program. * Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.