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Section Medicine

Study of The Frequency of Haemoglobinopathies at Premarital Health Screening In Basrah

Vol 10 No 1 (2025): June:

Amna M. Meshari (1), Lamis A. Hameed (2), Hayat Y. Almousawi (3)

(1) Family Medicine Specialist, Basrah Health Directorate, Abi-Alkhasib Sector for Primary Health Care, Basrah, Iraq
(2) Family Medicine Specialist, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
(3) Family Medicine Specialist and Clinical Dietician, Al-Mawanni Teaching Hospital, Iraq

Abstract:

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are increasingly recognized as a global public health concern, with β-thalassemia major and sickle cell disease posing significant health burdens, particularly in southern Iraq. Specific Background: In response, eight Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, have implemented mandatory premarital screening and genetic counseling programs to mitigate the transmission of inherited blood disorders. Knowledge Gap: However, limited data exist regarding the prevalence and types of hemoglobinopathies detected through such screening in Basrah province. Aim: This study aimed to determine the frequency of hemoglobinopathies among individuals undergoing premarital screening in Basrah. Results: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 384 randomly selected participants screened between February and June 2018. Females comprised 53.7% and males 46.3% (mean age: 22.8 ± 7.78 years). The prevalence rates were: β-thalassemia trait (2%), sickle cell trait (1.8%), sickle cell anemia (0.2%), sickle-thalassemia (0.5%), Hb D (0.1%), and Hb C (0.2%). A statistically significant association was found between hemoglobinopathies and both consanguinity (33.7%) and positive family history. Novelty: This study provides region-specific epidemiological data on hemoglobinopathies identified through premarital screening. Implications: Findings underscore the need to strengthen genetic counseling and raise awareness about consanguinity-related risks to reduce hereditary blood disorders in the region.


Highlight:




  • Beta thalassemia trait was the most common disorder detected.




  • Consanguinity showed significant correlation with hemoglobinopathies.




  • Premarital screening is vital for early genetic risk detection.




Keywords: Premarital Screening, Premarital Counselling, Hemoglobinopathy, Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia.

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