Introduction: β-thalassemia is caused by a defect in the synthesis of the βchain of the hemoglobin molecule. Depending on the extent of the genetic aberration, there are several classifications of β-thalassemia, namely βthalassemia minor, intermediate, and major. Among these, β-thalassemia major represents the most severe manifestation of this disorder.
Materials and Methods:This descriptive investigation was carried out in a cross-sectional manner. The data pertaining to the research were obtained from the archived records of anemic children who were referred to City Medical Complex Hospital in Kabul city for an HB-Electrophorisis test during the initial six months of 1401. The analysis of the data was performed utilizing descriptive statistics and the software SPSS version 22.
Results:The data presented in the study revealed that out of the total sample size of 216 children diagnosed with thalassemias, 37 individuals were identified as having β-thalassemias, accounting for approximately 17.6% of the cases. Further analysis of the β-thalassemia subgroup indicated that the majority of cases (66.7%) were classified as β-thalassemia major.
Conclusion:The study found that 17.6% of children with anemia were diagnosed with β-thalassemia, with the majority being thalassemia major. The prevalence is highest among children under 6, with symptoms onset around 6 months and survival until 10. β-thalassemia minor has the highest occurrence, possibly due to its hereditary nature passed down from parents. Traditional family marriages in society often lack awareness and knowledge about this condition, affecting the prevalence of β-thalassemia.