Distribution of β-Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies in Bangladeshi University Students and Ready-Made Garment Workers

Abstract

Background The inheritable thalassemia and other structural hemoglobinopathies are prevalent globally. In Bangladesh, there is a scarcity of studies concerning thalassemia and other structural hemoglobinopathies. Hence, the present study investigated the prevalence and distribution of β-thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies among the university students and ready-made garment (RMG) workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, whereas a total of 989 subjects were selected randomly from 10 garments industries (n=495) and five universities (n=494) for diagnosis and counseling from April 2018 to August 2018. Basic information related to the study and venous blood was collected and subjected to capillary Hb-electrophoresis for each participant. Results The present study identified thalassemia carriers and other hemoglobinopathies among 13.6% of the participants (14.1% university students and 13.2% RMG workers). The most common form of hemoglobin formation disorder was the Hb-E trait (10.5%), considering both participants’ groups. Other forms of hemoglobin formation disorders observed were a β-thalassemia trait, Hb-D trait, Hb-E disease, and β-thalassemia major. The hemoglobinopathies were significantly associated with the individuals who had a family history of thalassemia and were not vaccinated against hepatitis B in the total sample. Although not statistically suggestive, the most considerable portion (87.3%) of the carriers was unmarried in the present findings. Conclusion The present study findings are anticipated to help the public health authorities by providing novel data (of a neglected cohort, ie, RGM workers), facilitating the upcoming comprehensive national thalassemia prevention programs.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Towards Beta-Thalassemia among Residents of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

“…Surprisingly, 759 (45.3%) knew the disease could not be transmitted through blood transfusion. This is close to the outcome of a study conducted by Islam et al (2021) where 32.1% responded the same.…”

Epidemiology of clinically significant forms of alpha‐ and beta‐thalassemia: A global map of evidence and gaps

“…Twelve studies reported data on the prevalence of beta‐thalassemia in Asia from non–population‐based, selected samples of subjects 25,52,53,55–63 . The prevalence of beta‐thalassemia intermedia was described in a number of studies by retrospectively determining phenotype (Table S7).…”

“…51 Twelve studies reported data on the prevalence of betathalassemia in Asia from non-population-based, selected samples of subjects. 25,52,53,[55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63] The prevalence of beta-thalassemia intermedia was described in a number of studies by retrospectively determining phenotype (Table S7). Prevalence ranged from 14 per 100 000 pregnant women and husbands from the Guangdong province in China in 2012 53 to 615 per 100 000 individuals from northern India and Nepal in 2008.…”

Investigation of the Serotonin, Cortisol Hormones and some Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Beta Thalassemia in Thi-Qar Governorate /Iraq

“…The lower body mass index for β-thalassemia patients typically experiences growth retardation and decreased muscle mass may be responsible for the significant decrease in the mean serum creatinine level. According to the results of recent studies, the main prospective causes of morbidity and mortality in β-thalassemia patients were liver disease, cardiac disorders, diabetes, infection, and cancer due to long-term complications [20,21]. Due to socioeconomic inequities in our nation, the majority of β-thalassemia patients do not receive iron chelating therapy regularly.…”