The health and quality of life of Thalidomide survivors as they age - Evidence from a UK survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the late 1950s and early 1960s the drug Thalidomide was marketed across the world as a non-addictive tranquilizer. Despite being given to pregnant women as a safe treatment for morning sickness, Thalidomide caused serious damage to the unborn child. Much has been written about the drug and the birth defects it caused but evidence about the health of Thalidomide survivors as they age is limited.

Aim

The aim of this study was to: explore the health and wellbeing UK Thalidomide survivors; document the health problems experienced by them as they reach their mid-50s; and examine the impacts on their health-related quality of life and employment.

Methods

A health and wellbeing survey of 351 UK Thalidomide survivors, which gathered information about home and em

SUBMITTER: Newbronner E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6334953 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature