Thalassemia Reports
Distribution and Clustering of Beta-Thalassemia- and Sickle Cell-Related Disorders Among Scheduled Tribes in Tamil Nadu: An Exploratory Multivariate Analysis
By J. Kezia Angeline and Gladius Jennifer Hirudayaraj.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disorders are among the most common inherited hemoglobin disorders affecting tribal populations in India, with marked ethnic and geographic heterogeneity. Although exploratory multivariate approaches have been used, only limited evidence is available regarding the distribution and clustering patterns of these disorders among Scheduled Tribe populations in Tamil Nadu. This study aimed to examine the distribution and population-specific clustering of beta-thalassemia- and sickle cell-related disorders among hematologically confirmed cases of the scheduled tribes from the selected districts.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among the Scheduled Tribe populations in the selected districts of Tamil Nadu. Confirmed cases of hemoglobin disorders were identified through complete blood count, peripheral smear examination, reticulocyte count, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 89 confirmed cases were included in the exploratory analysis. Disease forms were categorised as beta (β)-thalassemia related disorders and sickle cell- related disorders, including sickle cell β-thalassemia. Chi-square tests were performed to assess associations with socio-demographic and environmental variables. Correspondence analysis and multidimensional scaling were applied to identify clustering patterns and structural relationships.