Thalassemia is a
common and important genetic blood disorder in Palestine. Relatively
large numbers of population have thalassemia trait. Previous studies
have shown that Jenin area has the highest frequency of thalassemics [Al
-Yonus study -1996]. In this study we targeted the secondary school
students in Jenin District.
About five hundred students (231 males and 269 females) were surveyed in
their classes between September 2001 and February 2002. The study
sample was selected randomly from five areas of Jenin District (east,
west, north, south and middle). All participants filled out a
questionnaire, then blood samples were collected. All blood samples were
tested for CBC and only selected samples (MCV < 80 femtoliter) were
tested for Hemoglobin electrophoreses and Serum iron. The main results
of this study survey are the following:
1. About 1.6 % of secondary school students in Jenin District suffer
from thalassemia trait.62.5 % were males and 37.5 % were females.
2. There are some variations in this percentage according to the area of
the study. It was found to be 5.3 % in the east area, 0.4 % in the
city, 1.3 % in the south area, 1.7 % in the west area, and 0 % in the
north area of study.
3. This study survey also showed that approximately 5 % of secondary
school students in Jenin District suffer from iron deficiency anemia.16 %
of those students were males and 84 % were females.
4. There were some variations in this percentage according to the area
of study, as follows: In the city 7.1%, the east area 3.2 %, in the
south area 2.5 %, In the west area 3.4 % and in the north area of the
study it was 0%.
5. The study survey points out that age, sex, type of diet, and economic
status might affect or lead to iron deficiency anemia among secondary
school students in Jenin District.
6. Also the survey showed that there was a poor level of knowledge about
thalassemia among secondary school students in Jenin District.
7. The main factors that affect the level of the student’s awareness
about thalassemia in the survey were: The level of education of their
mothers, sex, class level, and the branch of study.
8. In this study survey the most effective equation used in thalassemia
screening was: (MCV: RBC ratios less than 13 correspond to patients with
thalassemia trait). This equation identified all the cases and didn’t
dismiss any case.
In conclusion we recommended increasing the level of interference and
education for students about thalassemia and ironing deficiency anemia.