Background: Sickle cell anemia is a common genetic condition due to haemoglobin disorder-inheritance of mutant haemoglobin genes from both or either parents. The carrier frequency of haemoglobinopathy varies between 3 and 17% in different populations of India. Though the prevalence is high, limited studies are available on this topic. As prevention is only solution, there is a need to screen the general population on mass basis.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of Sickle cell anemia among pilgrims in central India and to create awareness regarding Sickle cell anemia in general population.

Material and Method: The present cross sectional study was carried out at camps at Dikshabhoomi and Durgamata mandir, Nagpur in first week of October 2015; among visitors coming there. Health education regarding Sickle cell was given to them in small groups. Detailed clinical history was taken, Body Mass Index was calculated and intravenous blood samples were taken. Solubility test was done for Sickle cell anaemia and positive test samples were processed for electrophoresis for AS or AA type.

Result:  Prevalence of Sickle cell anemia was 6.25%, common in males and 11-30 years age group.

Conclusion: There is a need of mass screening for Sickle cell disease in general population from all the age groups and all the caste to prevent the spread and complications of Sickle cell disease.

Keywords: Sickle cell anemia, Solubility test, Caste, Hemoglobin disorder.

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Dr Manjusha Ashwinkumar Dhoble

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