ABSTRACT
Globally prevalent thalassemia, originally restricted to specific geographical locations, are now global due to population migration and are prevalent at different ranges among the communities of the same country. It is more frequent in the WHO South-East Asia Region than in other parts of the world. Up to 40% of genetic traits have been found in thalassemia traits (1–30%). People living in the Mediterranean, African and South-East Asian regions are more likely to be affected by β-thalassemia. According to a WHO bulletin, genetic prevalence of β-thalassemia in the South-East Asia Region is 2.5–15% [4].
To provide life-long treatment to people with thalassemia, and prevent serious complications and premature deaths, high-quality public health planning and policy making is required, for which high-quality epidemiological data is a must. In all countries plans of action to manage and control Hb disorders are needed, covering community awareness and education, training of health care professionals, and infrastructure development to strengthen diagnostic and transfusion services.
The article focuses on thalassemia syndromes, since these disorders present mainly with transfusion-dependent anemia and the need for periodic transfusions which sometimes also leads to overload complications.
The study will help health authorities plan for and provide adequately for each patient with transfusion-dependent thalassemia by providing a deeper understanding of its effects.
The Cross-sectional review was performed using data from 5 Thalassemia Supporting Foundations and Hospitals.
Interviews via a questionnaire were used to collect information on Beta thalassemic major patients.
Our results show cased majority of the research participants to be Pathans from a variety of ethnicities and localities. We had our population of 0-5-year-old divided into 3 age groups; 0-20 months (12%), 21-40 months (26%) and 41-60 months (61%). All of the results of anthropometric values and certain sociodemographic values were compared to the WHO charts that this research can be standardized and comparable to international researches. Education rates for the parents/guardians were low with approx. 58% being illiterate; majority of them being females. 55 patients were on regular transfusions and 140 people were on chelation therapies. 47% of the patients included in this study were provided for by the state but there was also an equal percentage of self-financed people. Consanguinity was positive in 73% of the respondents in total out of which 37% had a positive history of family deaths.
We concluded that while transfusions and chelation are a main part of treating the anemic Hb levels in thalassemic patients, Prevention is better than Cure and thalassemia being a majorly preventable inherited disorder can be addressed by having regular screening procedures for specific populations. This can be made cost-effective by concentrating these camps attention to those regions in turn helping with the overall economy.
KEYWORDS
Thalassemia, Transfusion dependent thalassemia, Carrier frequency, Socio-demography, Anthropometry.
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