Design
thalassemia, nutritional behaviors
THALASSEMIA, COMPLICATIONS
At this stage, the objectives, educational methods, media, and training strategies were determined. Educational objectives were set based on the needs of patients with thalassemia in self-care. Patients with thalassemia can explain the importance and the components of self-care in thalassemia, the complications of thalassemia and how to deal with them, mention proper diet and nutritional behaviors in thalassemia. In addition, the effects of smoking on thalassemia, and the steps to quit smoking, describing the importance of physical activity in patients with thalassemia and its type and severity, explaining the importance of timely use of iron removers, side effects, and when to use them were determined. Moreover, the importance of timely blood transfusion and blood transfusion care in patients with thalassemia, mentioning the importance of regular visits to different specialists, using the smartphone self-care app, and answering the questions raised, improving mental, psychological, and social problems related to thalassemia in the patients, and finally increase patients' awareness about stress management were recognized.The education method was smartphone app. The media used in this method included images, text message and motivational videos. Training strategies such as question and answer were applied.