Prevalence of Anemia and Abnormal Hemoglobin Typing Results in Hill Tribe Women in Nan, Thailand

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of anemia and hemoglobin types among hill tribe women of Nan Province, Thailand. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 658 women from Hmong, Khamu, Lua, Mien and Mlabri hill tribes who lived in Tha Wang Pha, Pua and Bo Kluea Districts of Nan Province. Complete blood counts and hemoglobin typing were performed. Results: The prevalence of anemia in the overall group was 12.5%. The highest and lowest prevalence rates of anemia were detected in Mlabri (42.9%) and Mien women (9.5%). In the overall group the prevalence of hemoglobin E traits was 9.1% and beta-thalassemia was 2.1%. Khamu women had the highest prevalence (8.3%) of beta-thalassemia trait whereas Lua and Mlabri women had a higher prevalence of hemoglobin E trait (14.4% and 14.3%, respectively) than other tribes. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia and abnormal hemoglobin typing among hill tribe women of Nan Province in northern Thailand varied among hill tribes. These data may be beneficial for the prevention and control of thalassemia in hill tribe population and in genetic counseling. Keywords: Anemia, Hemoglobinopathy, Thalassemia, Hill tribes, Nan Province