Study of Prevalence of Thalassemia trait among couples undergoing premarital examination in Al-Hamdaniya

Background and objectives: 
Thalassemia is the most common single genetic disorder. Being a preventable disease, the “premarital screening program” was established.  The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of β-thalassemia trait among couples attending a center for premarital screening in Al-Hamdaniya district. 
Material and methods: 
A cross-sectional study was carried out in Al-Hamdaniya district (located in the north of Iraq) during December 2019 through July 2020 that included 600 healthy couples screened for hemoglobinopathies. Complete blood count (CBC) and HB electrophoresis were done. 
Results: 
The prevalence of abnormal Hb F and Hb A2 was 4.8% and 5.8% respectively but the differences were not significant between males and females. No significant association was detected between the degree of consanguinity with the prevalence of Hb F and the prevalence of Hb A2. And there was no significant association between family history of haemolytic disease and the prevalence of Hb F and prevalence of Hb A2 
Conclusion: 
The prevalence of thalassemia trait in Al-Hamdaniya, like other cities in the north of Iraq is high, so premarital screening program is beneficial for identification and prevention of risky marriages.