Premarital Screening Program Research Articles

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer Patients Diagnosed through Screening Programs versus Symptomatic Presentation: A Retrospective Study

Objectives The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of lung cancer patients diagnosed through screening programs (workplace screening, premarital screening, and check-up programs) and those diagnosed based on symptomatic presentation, all of whom underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy or segmentectomy between 2019 and 2021. Methods A retrospective study was conducted involving 45 patients diagnosed with stage I and II lung cancer. Patients with comorbid conditions, those with a history of major surgery, tuberculosis, or cancer, and those aged over 65 were excluded. All included patients received chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups: Those diagnosed through screening programs (16 patients) and those diagnosed based on symptoms (29 patients). All patients underwent VATS lobectomy or segmentectomy. Postoperative complications, 36-month survival rates, and causes of death were compared between the groups. Results The 36-month survival rate was higher in the screening group compared to the symptomatic group. Additionally, the recurrence rate was lower in the screening group. Among symptomatic patients, 3 presented with hemoptysis. Causes of death included respiratory failure, metastasis, and cardiovascular events. These findings suggest that early diagnosis through screening programs leads to better clinical outcomes. Conclusions Screening programs for lung cancer facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, resulting in improved survival rates and lower recurrence rates. The implementation and promotion of these programs could significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Outcomes of the premarital screening program in Riyadh, KSA in 2021–2022: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study investigated the prevalence of sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their demographic associations in Riyadh, KSA. MethodA retrospective cross-sectional design was used for this study. National data were obtained from The Healthy Marriage Program for the Riyadh region. Variables involved in the data collection tool were demographic data, lab results for hematology and serology tests and diagnosis, and the status of the certificate. A single sample K–S test was used to determine the normality of the data. We used the multiple logistic regression model. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported for both bivariate and multivariable analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultThe study screened a total of 916,295 participants, comprising 452,474 in 2021 and 463,821 in 2022. The sex distribution was 51.7% male and 48.3% female, with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 43 (±11.8) in 2021 and 41 (±11.9) in 2022. Among the participants, there were 196 sickle cell disease (SCD) cases and 4610 carriers. Additionally, 1069 participants tested positive for infectious diseases. Sex was a notable factor in SCD, HIV, HBV, and HCV cases. ConclusionOur findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance and intervention efforts through programs such as premarital screening and genetic counseling programs. These initiatives are crucial for identifying at-risk individuals and reducing the burden of genetic disorders and infectious diseases with targeted public health strategies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to monitor trends and assess the long-term impact of preventive measures on disease prevalence and distribution in the region.

Premarital Screening Uncovers Alarming Health Risks in Iraq

Background: Premarital screening programs, implemented globally since the 1970s, aim to improve reproductive health outcomes by identifying potential genetic and infectious risks before marriage. Specific Background: In July 2013, the Thi-Qar Governorate in Iraq introduced a premarital screening program to enhance health outcomes for pregnant women and their offspring. However, regional data on the efficacy and impact of such programs remain limited. Knowledge Gap: The prevalence and distribution of blood disorders and infectious diseases among couples in this region, and their implications for public health, have not been extensively documented. Aims: This study evaluates the pathophysiological status of couples undergoing premarital screening in Nasiriyah, Iraq, focusing on the prevalence of blood disorders and infectious diseases. Results: Data from 14,190 individuals (7095 couples) collected from January to December 2023 revealed significant health concerns: 34.40% had hemoglobin levels below 12 gm/dl, and notable percentages carried thalassemia and sickle cell anemia genes. Gender-specific analysis showed that all males tested positive for HIV, while significant proportions of females tested positive for HCV and T. palladium. No significant differences were found in the ABO blood system. Novelty: This study provides comprehensive, region-specific data on premarital screening outcomes in Iraq, highlighting significant disparities in disease prevalence between sexes and compared to other regions. Implications: The findings underscore the importance of enhancing premarital screening programs and integrating educational and preventive measures. Future research should include longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of these screenings and explore the benefits of incorporating genetic counseling to further mitigate hereditary and infectious risks. Highlights: High prevalence of blood disorders and infections in couples. Gender differences: all males positive for HIV, significant female infections. Need for improved education and prevention measures. Keywords: Premarital Screening, Hemoglobinopathies, Infectious Diseases, Nasiriyah, Iraq

Prevalence and Regional Distribution of Beta-Hemoglobin Variants in Saudi Arabia: Insights from the National Premarital Screening Program”

BackgroundHemoglobinopathies are among the most prevalent inherited disorders globally, with carrier prevalence varying significantly across regions. In Saudi Arabia, high rates of consanguineous marriages amplify the risk of these disorders.AimThis study aims to assess the burden of hemoglobinopathies by evaluating the prevalence and regional distribution of beta-hemoglobin variants, including rare variants, among couples participating in the national premarital screening program.MethodsData were collected from the premarital genetic screening program and entered into the SEHA platform, covering the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Blood samples underwent various screening tests for infectious and genetic diseases. Hemoglobin electrophoresis samples were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), or a combination of both methods.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2018, 1,871,184 individuals were included in the study, with 49.8% male and 50.2% female. The average age was 30.2 years. Hemoglobin S (HbS) was identified in 88,431 individuals (4.7% of the tested population and 78.5% of abnormal screening results), primarily as a sickle cell trait. β-thalassemia was the second most common disorder, identified in 22,420 individuals (1.2% of the population and 19.9% of hemoglobin disorders). HbC and HbD were each detected in 0.04% of cases, while HbO-Arab was identified in 0.007% and HbG in 0.006%. Hemoglobin E and hemoglobin Lepore were found to be extremely rare.ConclusionThe study demonstrates regional variation in the prevalence of hemoglobin genetic variants in Saudi Arabia. To effectively mitigate this risk, it is imperative to strengthen public education and awareness, particularly focusing on genetic screening and counseling.

Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Premarital Screening Programs Among Students at the University of Tripoli, Libya.

Despite the increase in hereditary disease in Arab countries due to the high rates of consanguineous marriages, research on community awareness of premarital screening (PMS) for disease carriers is still scarce. To investigate knowledge and attitudes towardgenetic PMS programs among university students in Libya. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 421 Libyan students aged 18-25 years at the University of Tripoli. Most of the participants (79%, n=316) agreed that a PMS program is important and expressed willingness to have PMS programs if they were advised to do so. Two-thirds of participants (67%, n=268)had heard of PMS programs, of whom (27.2%, n=73) heard of them from social media. Most of the university students had good knowledge of PMS but poor knowledge of the hereditary disease targeted by PMS. Most of them had a positive attitude toward PMS.

Screening of voluntary blood donors for beta-thalassemia trait in an endemic area in Northwest India for 15 years: Results and future directions after screening more than 300 thousand donors

Abstract: BACKGROUND: North-West India has a high prevalence of the Thalassemia, and the Beta Thalassemia Trait often remains undetected in the population. Recognizing the need to address this public health issue, we initiated “Blood the Lifeline” project in 2006 with the aim to eradicate Thalassemia through proactive measures, including screening of voluntary blood donors. AIM: The primary aim of this study was to screen voluntary blood donors in an endemic area in northwestern India for Thalassemia trait. The study aimed to determine its prevalence, identify gender and ethnic group-wise distributions, and assess the implications for future interventions. METHODS: The screening program was conducted from January 2006 till December 2022. Voluntary blood donors were recruited from the target area and underwent Thalassemia trait screening. The screening process involved High Performance Liquid Chromatography using VARIANT II fully automated HPLC system to identify Thalassemia trait. Data regarding the total number of cases screened, gender distribution, ethnic group-wise distribution, and positive and negative cases were collected and analyzed. Screening Process: EDTA Pilot tube from each donor was collected and analyzed within 24 hrs of collection. RBC Counts, Hb Concentration, MCV, MCH, RDW-SD were noted to differentiate between Iron Deficiency Anaemia &amp; thalassemia trait &amp; following Criteria’s were taken into account: Total RBC Count: &gt; 5.0 x 106 / micro-liter, Hb: &lt; 11.7 g/dl, MCV: &lt; 77 fl, MCH: &lt; 28 pg &amp; RDW-SD: &lt; 45 fl. A combination of Formulas like Mentzer’s index= MCV/RBC &lt;13; Shine and Lal Index (S&amp;L) = MCV × (MCH/100) &lt; 1530; Green &amp; King (MCV2) × RDW]/ (Hb × 100) &lt; 65 were used for screening. All the above formulas were introduced into the Blood Bank Software to exclude out the blood units requiring screening &amp; confirmation. If any of the samples were positive on initial screening, then confirmatory test was done by demonstrating the elevation of concentration of HbA2 by HPLC VARIANT II fully automated analyser. RESULTS: A total of 377,503 voluntary blood donors for a 16 year period were screened and data was analysed .The Mean Hemoglobin of positive donors was 12.1 gm/dl; Mean RBC Count was 6.24 m/cu mm, MCV 67.79 fl, MCH 21.04 pg, RDW-SD 42.11fl &amp; HbA2 was 7.48%. The majority of positive cases were found in the Sindhi (16.68%), Punjabi (10.32%), and Muslim (9.81%) ethnic groups. The Rajasthani population accounted for 6.01% of positive cases. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive screening program revealed a relatively high prevalence of Thalassemia trait in 2.29% of the screened population. The communities with higher prevalence (Sindhi, Punjabi, and Muslim) were educated about the disease and a targeted screening program will be further carried out in these ethnic groups. The data helped in planning genetic counseling, carrier screening, and pre-marital screening programs to reduce the transmission of Thalassemia in these populations. By focusing efforts on specific groups and locations with higher prevalence, a community based approach to prevent the birth of children with Thalassemia major is being implemented. It is also being used for analyzing the implications of different local policies pertaining to Thalassemia trait in the region. Collaborative efforts between healthcare organizations, community leaders, and governmental agencies are crucial to address the burden of Thalassemia and work towards its eradication. The results of this study serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at minimizing the impact of Thalassemia at a community level.

Premarital Screening is Pivotal in Reducing the Births of Babies Affected with Thalassemia Major in Iraq

Thalassemia major is one of the health problems in Iraq, especially in Kurdistan. Pre-marriage mandatory preventive screening program was established in Kurdistan in 2008, which allowed us to study the prevalence of different hemoglobinopathies among newly married young adults in this region. A total of 1154 subjects (577 couples) attending the Koya district, premarital Health center, were screened using red cell indices. Those who had mean corpuscular volume (MCV)<80 fl and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)<27 pg had high-performance liquid chromatography and iron studies. Out of 1154 individuals that were evaluated, 183 (11.9%) had low MCV and MCH. Of the former 183 subjects, 69 (5.97%) had β-thalassemia trait, 10 (0.86%) had δβ-thalassemia trait, and no other hemoglobinopathies were recorded in our study. There was second-degree consanguinity in 4.7% of all 577 couples. In two couples, both partners had β-thalassemia trait and both were consanguineous. Both couples decided to separate after counseling. Based on the current study, the role of the premarital screening program in decreasing the number of new thalassemia major cases among the Kurdish population is laudable. Therefore, mandatory premarital screening is advised in all parts of Iraq.

Premarital screening programme in Saudi Arabia: Insights into men's awareness and perceptions.

This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi men on premarital screening, 19 years after its implementation. A cohort of 133 males was examined. Out of the 133 male screening participants, a significant majority of 126 individuals (94.7%) were found to be aware of the premarital screening program. A smaller number of individuals (88, 66.2%) were aware of the conditions detected by the screening. A disagreement developed on the legality of marriage in the event of an adverse test result. Many participants stated that the primary purpose of the premarital screening program was to lessen the social and familial burdens associated with incompatible marriages. Many respondents preferred that the program include mental illness and drug testing. Even if compatibility existed, a sizeable proportion of respondents declined to proceed with the marital procedure if one companion was a carrier. The participants had a clear understanding of the importance of premarital screening. However, this assertion contradicts the current evidence regarding the prevalence of hereditary diseases. To reduce disease burden, the significance of the program and the value of making informed decisions following examinations must be emphasized.

Regional Prevalence of Hemoglobin C Across Saudi Arabia: An Epidemiological Survey

IntroductionHbC is a common structural hemoglobinopathy especially in West Africa. Prevalence and regional distribution of HbC in Saudi Arabia are widely undocumented. Patients with homozygous HbC disease may have mild hemolytic anemia whereas combination with hemoglobin S (HbS) leads to a clinically severe phenotype.AimThe current epidemiological study, considered the largest from Saudi Arabia, aimed to evaluate the regional prevalence of the HbC variant among the couples participating in the premarital screening program from 2011 to 2018.MethodsData from the PMSGC program were obtained for premarital screening and genetic counseling. The collected data were then entered into the SEHA platform, a centralized electronic repository for the 13 designated regions in Saudi Arabia. Hemoglobin electrophoresis samples are analyzed using either HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, or a combination of both methods to confirm the presence of abnormal hemoglobin bands.ResultsThis study included 1,871,184 individuals from 2011 to 2018. Of those, 49.8% were males and 50.2% were females. 112,618 (6.0%) had an abnormal test. Total number of Hb C cases were 778 (0.04%). HbC trait (HbAC) was detected in 764 participants while homozygous HbC (HbCC) and combined heterozygous (HbSC) were found in 9 and 5 cases, respectively. The regions near the Red Sea have higher rates than the central and eastern regions.ConclusionHbC is a rare variant in Saudi Arabia with varying regional frequencies. HbC variant is more common in Mecca and Madina regions. The geographic area of HbC distribution differs from the areas with high prevalence of HbS, which explains why HbSC disease cases are overwhelmingly rare.

Significance of premarital screening and genetic counselling program for hemoglobinopathies

Introduction: Premarital screening includes general medical examination by which the promotion of a woman's and her partner's health and well-being prior to conception. It is regarded as a primary preventive approach for couples planning to conceive, as well as an important step toward protecting society of disease's spread. Hemoglobinopathies are one of the most frequent autosomal recessive illnesses in Iraq, which may associate with significant mortality and morbidity. Its inherited disorders and run down through families. Humans are affected by this disorder, which can occur due to the presence of quantitative and, or qualitative irregularities in the globin chains. Hemoglobin (Hb)S, which causes sickle cell disease (SCD), Hb-C or Hb-D illness, and other qualitative abnormalities, is the most prevalent. α- and β-thalassemia are quantitative anomalies with reduced or missing production of β or α globin chains are the most common. The world's most common single-gene diseases, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes Iraq Conclusion :All of the above data support the concept of a haemoglobinopathies prevention program based on premarital screening, counseling, and prenatal diagnosis with the aim of decrease the number of afflicted children born in the region

Provisional diagnosis of clinically significant hemoglobinopathies and decision on suitability for marriage as part of the premarital screening program in Iraq: Iraqi Society of Hematology Guidelines

Provisional diagnosis of clinically significant hemoglobinopathies and decision on suitability for marriage as part of the premarital screening program in Iraq: Iraqi Society of Hematology Guidelines

Saudi Arabian women's knowledge and attitudes towards premarital screening of genetic disorders.

This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi women regarding the premarital screening program (PMS) using a tailored questionnaire survey. Of the 185 participants, 176 (95.1%) were familiar with PMS, and 117 (63.2%) were aware of the diseases that the screening tests aim to detect. The majority of participants supported also including screenings for drug use and mental illness. When considering the situation of compatible partners with one being a carrier, a considerable proportion of respondents indicated they would not proceed with matrimony. Overall, the level of awareness and attitudes concerning the critical significance of PMS were deemed satisfactory. To mitigate the impact of diseases, it is imperative to continue disseminating information concerning the program, its importance, and the necessity of making well-informed decisions after the evaluations.

Premarital hemoglobinopathy screening program results of a province in the Black Sea region of Turkey: three years’ experience

ABSTRACT Objectives Hemoglobinopathies are a global public health problem with high mortality and morbidity and very expensive treatment. Disease can be reduced and prevented with hemoglobinopathy screening tests. It is possible to identify carriers with the hemoglobinopathy screening program applied in many countries of the world and in Turkey. This study aims to evaluate the results of the national premarital hemoglobinopathy screening program carried out in primary healthcare institutions. Methods The research is of epidemiological and cross-sectional type. Electrophoresis results examined within the scope of the premarital hemoglobinopathy screening program in Samsun between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Age, gender, year of screening, and hemoglobinopathy screening results were obtained from the records. In the statistical analysis of the data, p < 0.05 was accepted. Results The median age of 52,338 people screened under the hemoglobinopathy screening program was 29.0 (16.0–86.0) years. About 54.1% (n = 28,309) of those who were screened were female, and it was found that the least screening was done in 2020 (n = 15,765 (30.1%)). As a result of the screening, the frequency of the β-thalassemia (β-thal) trait was 1.37% (n = 676), the frequency of the abnormal HbS was 0.04% (n = 20). The frequency of β-thal trait was statistically significantly higher in 2020 (1.5%) compared to other years (p = 0.029). When the results were analyzed by gender, the rate of women with abnormal HbS (3.7%) was significantly higher than the others (p = 0.017). Conclusions This study presents the results of the national hemoglobinopathy screening program in Northern Turkey and the β-thal and the abnormal HbS rates were found to be low. The data obtained will be useful in monitoring hemoglobinopathy disorders and evaluating the current program’s effectiveness in the future. It will allow decision-makers to implement policy changes and prioritize new programs.

Prevalence of Haemoglobinopathy among Young College Students in Anand-Gujarat: A Premarital Screening Program for Carrier Detection of Hemoglobin Disorders

Background: Hemoglobin disorders are the leading health concern in the World including India. Effective screeningprograms, awareness campaign and proper prenatal diagnosis are the only ways to eradicate the disease. Verysparse data are available on the spectrum of haemoglobinopathies in the central part of Gujarat state. Hence, thisstudy was undertaken to find out the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies among the students of Anand People’sMedicare Society, Anand District, Gujarat, India.Methods: In this prospective study, total 2195 students were screened for haemoglobinopathies after takingclinical and familial history. A complete hemogram report was obtained by an automated hematology counterand hemoglobin variants were quantitated by performing HPLC on Bio-Rad Variant II. The prevalence ofhemoglobinopathies was 7.06%, which includes β-thalassemia trait (2.73 %), sickle cell trait (3.82%), homozygoussickle cell disease (0.09%), Hb D trait (0.22%), Hb E (0.09%) trait and other haemoglobinopathies (0.08%).Conclusion: Population groups with high gene frequency of haemoglobinopathies requires a routine premaritalscreening program, awareness and education for identification, prevention of high-risk marriages and birth ofthalassemic homozygotes.

Public awareness and attitude toward premarital screening program in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, an endemic area for hemoglobinopathies: A cross-sectional study.

Hemoglobinopathies are highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, with varying incidence rates across different regions. The Eastern and Jazan regions have the highest incidence rates. To prevent hemoglobinopathies, the premarital screening program (PMS) has been established in Saudi Arabia to identify at-risk couples before marriage. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitude of young adults towards PMS in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, which involved 875 individuals (560 men and 315 women). The current study report significant association between sex, personal and family history of disease, and attitude towards PMS among young adults (P< 0.05). The study concludes that while there is a substantial level of awareness and positive attitude towards PMS among the population, there is a need for more detailed health campaigns led by healthcare providers, rulers, and Islamic leaders to highlight the importance of PMS as a preventative measure to reduce the incidence of hemoglobinopathies in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Beta Thalassemia Carrier Rate: Problem Burden among High School Children.

A cross-sectional multicenter study was carried out on 4320 randomly selected students from four governorates of the Nile Delta region, Egypt. All patients were to be tested for their complete blood count. Those with microcytic hypochromic anemia not caused by iron deficiency were tested for βT carrier status using high-performance liquid chromatography. The total prevalence of βT carrier rate was 6.13%. The highest prevalence was detected in Al-Sharkia Governorate, reaching 7.89%, followed by 6.90% in Al-Gharbia Governorate. Al- Dakahilia and Al-Menoufia showed lower rates of 4.86% and 3.73%, respectively. Despite the premarital national screening program for βT in Egypt, the carrier rate is still high. More effort should be done into the proper implementation of national prevention programs.

Outcome of premarital genetic counseling for couples at risk of hemoglobinopathies in Kingdom of Bahrain.

Hemoglobinopathies are the commonest inherited blood disorders and form a serious burden worldwide, affecting communities, patient quality of life and healthcare resources. The Kingdom of Bahrain has issued a law obligating couples to undergo premarital screening to detect those at risk of having children affected with these disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze the marital decisions of couples at risk for hemoglobinopathies and follow up the outcomes. A retrospective study was conducted on couples at risk for hemoglobinopathies identified during the premarital screening program at local health centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain and referred to the genetics department in the Salmaniya Medical Complex for genetic counselling in 2018-2020. A total of 189 couples were found to be at risk for hemoglobinopathies, of whom 159 completed the survey. Of these, 107 (67%) decided to proceed with their marriage and 26 couples achieved pregnancy. Out of 24 at-risk pregnancies with known outcome, 83.3% were spontaneous whereas only 16.7% underwent in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Eight out of 20 infants born to couples after spontaneous conception were affected. A positive attitude toward IVF with PGD was held by 60% of at-risk couples. Despite undergoing premarital screening and genetic counselling, a large percentage of at-risk couples proceeded with their marriage. Most of them justified their decision due to the availability of advanced methods that aid in the prevention of having an affected child. However, the cost of such intervention was a major barrier for the majority of couples.

Thalassemia prevention: Religious and cultural barriers to premarital screening in Bangladesh.

Thalassemia prevention: Religious and cultural barriers to premarital screening in Bangladesh.

Towards a Thalassemia Free Society: A Study of Service Delivery Challenges for Premarital Screening in Punjab

Thalassemia is one of the common genetic disorders. Nearly 7.9 million children are born with genetic birth defects worldwide, out of which 94% are in middle-income countries. Pakistan bears 5-8% carrier rate prevalence of beta-thalassemia. Premarital screening is considered one of the effective ways of preventing thalassemia and reducing its prevalence. The present study explores the challenges and barriers to service delivery of premarital screening programs in Punjab. The qualitative methods are used for carrying out this study. The study positions itself within epistemological grounds of interpretive approach. Thirteen health care providers from teaching hospitals of Lahore are selected through purposive sampling. Data is collected using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis is carried out to analyze the results. The findings of the study identify the barriers that include lack of infrastructure (technical support and human resource), economic barriers, public-related barriers (awareness, responsibility, cultural beliefs and family setup), provider-related barriers i.e. knowledge and skill, ambiguity about the professional roles, time constraints and difficulty discussing health anxiety and consanguinity. Moreover, potential burdens in the form of ethical implications and legal concerns are also identified. The study recommends improvements and steps to be taken to address the challenges for the implementation of a failure free policy.

Prevalence of Hemoglobinopathies in Premarital Screening in the Province of Nigde, Turkey

Hemoglobinopathies are one of the most widespread hereditary disorders in Turkey. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the Nigde province of Turkey. This study was conducted with 2013 individuals who applied for the premarital screening, between January 2019 and December 2021. The complete blood count was measured by an automated hematology analyzer. The types of hemoglobin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. A total of 2013 individuals including 951 (47.2%) females and 1062 (52.8%) males, were screened within the premarital screening program, and 67 (3.3%) of them were migrants. 53 out of 2013 (2.63%) individuals were identified as β thalassemia carriers, and five of them were migrants including two from Afghanistan, two from Iran, and one from Georgia. HbC was observed in two cases, a couple from Syria (0.1%), HbD in two cases (0.1%), HbE in one case from Thailand (0.05%), HbS-β-thalassemia in one case (0.05%), delta-β thalassemia in one case (0.05%), and unidentified structural variant in one case (0.05%). Moreover, 183 individuals (9.1%) were considered to have iron deficiency, α-thalassemia, or silent β-thalassemia carrier. These results indicate that the province of Nigde is a relatively risky region regarding hemoglobinopathies. Geographic location and immigrant population may have slightly affected the local prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and could be taken into consideration to ensure the effective implementation of the hemoglobinopathy prevention program.