Pre-conception couples' knowledge of thalassaemia.

Abstract

Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder which is very common in the Mediterranean Region. Situated at the heart of the Mediterranean basin, Malta is one of the countries which have individuals suffering from the major form and also carriers of this disease. In 1970 the carrier rate for thalassaemia was 3.7% and in 1976 it rose to 4.3%, while presently the rate is 1.2%. Pregnant women are screened for thalassaemia at the Antenatal Clinic when they come for the booking interview while newborns of carrier mothers are screened at birth. Despite the fact that women are screened for this blood disorder, most of the women and their partners are not knowledgeable and aware of this disease. The purpose of this study was to test "whether the midwife's role in pre-conception care as a health promotion practitioner with regards to thalassaemia awareness is needed". Pre-conception couples' knowledge of this disorder was explored through a questionnaire, in order to realise the purpose of this study. The couples were also asked to mention if there is enough thalassaemia awareness locally and to suggest ways of how this can be achieved. The study sample was made up of forty-six couples attending two separate marriage preparation courses organised by The Cana Movement. The rate of individuals knowledgeable of thalassaemia was only 12%.