Tackling the Menace of Anemia and Hemoglobinopathies among Young Adults – Conceptualizing University-Level Screening

BACKGROUND: National family health survey-4 data suggests alarmingly high prevalence of anemia among adult population. Hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemias and structural hemoglobin (Hb) variants are the commonly seen autosomal, recessively inherited, monogenic disorders of Hb production, and pose a significant health burden in India. Premarriage screening for thalassemia would help to prevent such marriage, reduce health and financial burdens. OBJECTIVES: To assess the burden of anemia and hemoglobinopathies, among newly admitted college students through a University-level screening program. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among college students of the University. The study was part of regular health check-up of all new admissions. Sample frame included all the 4197 students who appeared for health screening and were screened for anemia and hemoglobinopathies. RESULTS: Out of 4197 students, 73.2% were male and a total of 19.5%were anemic. Gender-wise prevalence among males and females was 13.6% and 35.7%, respectively. Among anemic, the proportion of mild, moderate, and severe anemia was 69%, 29%, and 2%. Prevalence of typical beta thal minor and sickle cell trait was found to be 2.6% and 1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Anemia and hemoglobinopathies are significant public health challenges. University setup offers a unique opportunity for modeling and pilot testing integrated interventions for screening and management.