Abstract

Haemoglobin disorders occur worldwide, with particularly high prevalence in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and South Asia. One of the most common hemoglobinopathies is sickle cell disorder (HbS). In India, the prevalence of sickle cell haemoglobin ranges from 1% to 40%, with significantly higher rates observed among rural tribal communities. This singlecentre, retrospective study analysed healthcare footfall of sickle cell patients from the tribal area of Dahod.

A total of 105,492 patient records from the District Hospital were reviewed between January and June 2025. At District Hospital-Dahod, the prevalence of sickle cell-positive cases is 16.75%. Among these, 6.66% were diagnosed with sickle cell disease, and 93.34% were identified as a sickle cell trait, silent carriers of the disease. Among the records assessed, 42.42% of individuals sought health care from the obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGY) department. Of these, 98% were females of reproductive age. Within this group, 5.05% were diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD), while 90.43% carried the sickle cell trait.

The high predominance of sickle cell trait among antenatal females highlights a critical public health concern that may be contributing to the high maternal and infant mortality rates reported in the Dahod district.

These findings further underscore the need for routine screening protocols, genetic counselling, and the requirement for targeted awareness programs, particularly among adolescent females and young males in tribal regions. The development of more effective healthcare interventions warrants policy attention to mitigate the burden of sickle cell disorder and improve maternal and infant mortality rates in this vulnerable population.

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Data Sharing Statement

Funding