[Community-based programs for hereditary hemoglobinopathies in Brazilian high school students].

This study tested the viability and efficiency of a hereditary hemoglobinopathy program in which a Brazilian community the town of Bragança Paulista, SP (Brazil)-was involved, were tested focusing school students. The screening of the hemoglobinopathies was done through optional exams for patients by using electrophoresis of hemoglobins and complementary hematological tests. A total of 1,171 individuals, including, 1,118 pupils and 53 of their relatives were tested over a period of 24 months. A total of 47 individuals with hereditary hemoglobin changes were detected-4.0% of the samples examined. The community was fairly receptive to the program which showed a general level of acceptance of 55.4%. The study aroused the interest of the community and motivated the implantation of a special service for diagnosis, genetic counseling and treatment of the hemoglobinopathy carriers in the community where it was undertaken.