Anemia in an ethnic minority group in lower northern Thailand: A community-based study investigating the prevalence in relation to inherited hemoglobin disorders and iron deficiency.

Anemia among the Karen is of public health significance; and IHDs are the major contributing factors. Because of the high risk of developing moderate-to-severe anemia, special attention should be paid to individuals affected with ID, β-thalassemia and the elderly. Public awareness of the health burden of severe thalassemia syndromes should also be campaigned.