Sociological Analysis of Social Support Systems among Thalassemia Carriers in Pakhtun Society: An exploratory study conducted in Pakistan

Thalassemia is a serious public health issue in Pakistan. This paper explored sociological aspects of social support systems available for thalassemia carriers in Pakhtun society. Interpretivism was the epistemological perspective applied in the study. Researchers conducted two in-depth interviews with thalassemia carriers and eight in-depth interviews with caregivers in the study locale. The interviews were recorded, and transcription was made for all the interviews. The researchers used thematic analysis to explain the experiences and opinions of the participants. The study results explained that joint family system in Pakhtun society is one of the strong social supports available to the carrier and caregiver in the study locale. In the study area close family relatives are providing emotional, financial, and logistic support to the thalassemia carriers and caregivers. It is concluded that Pakhtunwali is a strong code of social life which is used as a support mechanism in the area.