WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Enaam Muhsin Hameed, Sara Ali Qassim AlAbody, Zahraa Mahdi Srayyih

ABSTRACT

Background: Haemoglobinopathies are among the most common inherited disorders globally, particularly prevalent in regions with high consanguinity such as the Middle East. Premarital screening programs have proven effective in reducing the incidence of severe hemoglobin disorders, including thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of hemoglobinopathies among premarital screening attendees in Maysan Governorate, Iraq. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hammurabi Center in Maysan over a one-year period from June 2024 to May 2025. A total of 7,712 male subjects were initially screened using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). If the male was identified as a carrier, the female partner underwent the same test. Hemoglobinopathies were classified based on HPLC findings and included β-thalassemia, α-thalassemia, sickle cell trait (HbS), hemoglobin D (HbD), and hemoglobin C (HbC). Data were statistically analyzed by gender and frequency distribution. Results: In 2024, alpha-thalassemia (n=170) and beta-thalassemia (n=160) were the most prevalent disorders, followed by HbS (n=14), HbD (n=6), and HbC (n=4). In 2025, alpha-thalassemia increased to 316 cases, with beta-thalassemia at 149 cases. Hemoglobin variants remained rare. Male predominance was evident across all types, largely due to the male-first screening protocol. Hematological profiles of positive cases were consistent with expected values for each disorder. Conclusion: The study confirms a high burden of alpha- and beta-thalassemia in Maysan and emphasizes the critical role of premarital screening in early detection. Expansion of such programs, coupled with public awareness and genetic counseling, is essential for effective hemoglobinopathy prevention in Iraq.