Cultural and psychosocial considerations in screening for thalassemia in the Southeast Asian refugee population

Abstract

The combination of a high incidence of thalassemia and a high fertility rate in the Southeast Asian refugee population mandates effective screening programs, but unique cultural and psychosocial factors often impede optimal screening and genetic counseling. This paper identifies cultural and psychosocial barriers often associated with refugee thalassemia screening, and offers practical guidelines for remediation.