Mb. Compri et al., PUBLIC-HEALTH PROGRAMS FOR HEREDITARY HEM OGLOBINOPATHIES IN HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS IN BRAZIL, Revista de Saude Publica, 30(2), 1996, pp. 187-195
This study tested the viability and efficiency of a hereditary hemoglo
binopathy program in which a Brazilian community the town of Braganca
Paulista, SP (Brazil) - was involved were tested focusing school stude
nts. The screening of the hemoglobinopathies was done through optional
exams for patients by using electrophoresis of hemoglobins and comple
mentary hematological tests. A total of 1,171 individuals, including,
1,118 pupils and 53 of their relatives were tested over a period of 24
months. A total of 47 individuals with hereditary hemoglobin changes
were detected -4.0% of the samples examined. The community was fairly
receptive to the program which showed a general level of acceptance of
55.4%. The study aroused the interest of the community and motivated
the implantation of a special service for diagnosis, generic counselin
g and treatment of the hemoglobinopathy carriers in the community wher
e it was undertaken.