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Prevalence of haemoglobinopathies in school children in Jordan Valley
N Bashir1, M Barkawi, L Sharif
1Department of Biochemistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid.
Insights
This study investigated haemoglobinopathies in Northern Jordan Valley children. Beta-thalassaemia minor and alpha-thalassaemia trait were the most common genetic blood disorders found.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Hematology
Background:
- Haemoglobinopathies are a group of inherited blood disorders.
- Prevalence data for these conditions are crucial for public health planning, especially in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of common haemoglobinopathies among healthy children aged 6-10 years in the Northern Jordan Valley.
- To provide baseline data for understanding the genetic burden of blood disorders in this region.
Main Methods:
- A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 456 healthy children.
- Complete blood count, haemoglobin electrophoresis, and haemoglobin A2 (HbA2) estimations were performed on all blood samples.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of beta-thalassaemia minor was 3.3% (15 children).
- The prevalence of alpha-thalassaemia trait was 3.5% (16 children).
- Sickle cell trait and hereditary elliptocytosis were found at lower rates of 0.44% (2 children) and 0.89% (4 children), respectively.
Conclusions:
- Beta-thalassaemia minor and alpha-thalassaemia trait are the most prevalent haemoglobinopathies in the studied pediatric population in Northern Jordan Valley.
- These findings highlight the importance of screening programs and genetic counseling for haemoglobinopathies in this region.
Abstract:
Blood samples were drawn from 456 healthy children, 6-10 years old, to explore the prevalences of haemoglobinopathies in Northern Jordan Valley. The children were selected by the multi-stage random sampling technique. Complete blood count, haemoglobin electrophoresis and haemoglobin A2 (HbA2) estimations were carried out on all the samples. The prevalences of beta-thalassaemia minor, alpha-thalassaemia trait, sickle cell trait, and hereditary elliptocytosis were 15(3.3%), 16(3.5%), 2(0.44%) and 4(0.89%), respectively.