Prevalence and characterization of β-thalassemia minor in a premarital screening at a hereditary blood diseases center in Babylon, Iraq

Journal of Associated Medical Sciences 2026 Open access

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Authors: Widad Hamza Shekair, Zainab W. Al-Maaroof Al-Maaroof, Shaymaa Ali Abed Aljawazery, Krarr Haider Haddawi, Suhad Aziz Mustafa Al-Khyate
DOI: 10.66285/jams.2026.072
Cited by: 1

Abstract

Background: β-thalassemia is a significant hereditary hematological disorder that is highly prevalent in Iraq. Premarital screening is a critical preventive strategy for identifying couples at risk of having children with thalassemia major. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a premarital screening program in Babylon, Iraq. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of β -thalassemia minor among couples with abnormal red cell indices and characterize the associated hematological parameters. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2019 on 960 individuals (480 couples) referred to the Hereditary Blood Diseases Center. Participants with a mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders Iron Metabolism and Disorders Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Associated Medical Sciences
Publisher
Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University
Volume
59
Issue
2
Pages
428–437
Publication date
24 April 2026