Genetics and public health: response of a brazilian population to an optional hemoglobinopathy program

ABSTRACT

The efficiency and viability of a hemoglobinopathy program was investigated. The program was offered on a voluntary basis to a Brazilian community (Araras, SP) and started with the blood analyses of pregnant women. A total of 2209 pregnant women were screened in the first 39 months and 80 heterozygotes were diagnosed (52 AS, 19 AT and 9 AC). Another 1003 persons related to these heterozygotes were examined and a total of 432 heterozygotes were diagnosed (241 AS, 140 AT and 51 AC), added to 13 patients with chronic hemolytic anemia (8 SS, 3 SC, 1 TT and 1 CC) and 16 risk couples, made up of two heterozygotes. The examination percentages of pregnant women (100 per cent), newly born children (75 per cent), other children (97 per cent), husbands (56 per cent ) and other relatives (64 per cent) showed the high rate of acceptance of the program in the community. Genetic counselling was accepted by 60 per cent of the heterozygotes over 15 years of age.