SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA AMONG DAHOD’S TRIBES: A GENETIC PERSPECTIVE

Dr. Dhiraj J. Trivedi*

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a widespread haemoglobinopathy, particularly high prevalence is observed in Gujarat. This study investigates the genotype distribution of SCA within the tribal community of Dahod District. The aim is to map genetic pattern among the tribal community so as to improve public health outcome and contribute towards a sickle cell-free India. Study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital which analysed 12,259 individual’s data during June 2024 and August 2024 from ongoing study. The result indicates a 17.15% prevalence of SCA among the tribal community of Dahod District. A 14.55% Sickle cell trait (SCT-AS) genotype and 2.61% Sickle cell Disease (SCD-HbS-β0thallassemia genotype was noted in the study population. The frequency of SCT Hb-AS is approximately 5.5 times higher than that of SCD HbS-β0thallassemia among tribal population. Additionally, a gender disparity was observed, with a higher prevalence in females.