Genetics And Public Health: Response Of A Brazilian Population To An Optional Hemoglobinopathy Program

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%), newly born children (75%), other children (97%), husbands (56%) and other relatives (64%) showed the high rate of acceptance of the program in the community. Genetic counselling was accepted by 60% of the heterozygotes over 15 years of age.17443543