Thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies among anemic individuals in Metro Manila, Philippines and their intake of iron supplements.

Abstract

The majority of anemia (62.5%) in this sample was due to other causes and hemoglobinopathy, rather than iron deficiency. Genetic hemoglobin disorders appear to be common among anemic individuals. Population screening is needed to determine the real prevalence of the disease. Further investigation is needed to identify other causes of anemia among Filipinos.