<![CDATA[Thalassemia is an inherited hemolytic disorder caused by impaired hemoglobin synthesis that requires lifelong regular blood transfusion therapy. Repeated blood transfusions can lead to iron accumulation, characterized by increased serum ferritin levels. Iron chelation therapy is required to reduce iron overload, with its effectiveness influenced by patient adherence. Objective: To analyze the relationship between adherence to iron chelation therapy and serum ferritin levels in pediatric patients with thalassemia at RSUD dr. Zainoel Abidin, Banda Aceh. Methods: This was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design using total sampling. The sample consisted of 137 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) questionnaire, while serum ferritin levels were obtained from medical records. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: The majority of respondents were non-adherent to iron chelation therapy (64.2%) and had serum ferritin levels in the very high category (77.4%). All non-adherent respondents (88 patients) had serum ferritin levels in the very high category. The Chi-Square test demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between adherence to iron chelation therapy and serum ferritin levels (p = 0.000; p < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between adherence to iron chelation therapy and serum ferritin levels in pediatric patients with thalassemia at RSUD dr. Zainoel Abidin, Banda Aceh.]]>
