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

Rosa Chelminsky Teixeira; Antonio Sérgio Ramalho

Departamento de Genética Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, UNICAMP, Caixa Postal 6111, 13081-970, SP, Basil. Send correspondence to A.S.R.

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%), 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.

Keywords: genetics health; public health; Brazilian population; hemoglobinopathy.

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