Thalassaemia--a preventive approach.
Thalassaemia is a significant public health problem in Australia. There is a need for improved patient education about the disease in order to prevent unnecessary anxieties. The recent advent of methods for antenatal diagnosis has given emphasis to a preventive approach. A screening and counselling service established at Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, Melbourne, is described, and some of the problems encountered are discussed. Psychological problems are common, and these need to be managed carefully.
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011584:Psychology; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*