Chern J.P.S.Lin K.-H.MENG-YAO LULin D.-T.SHIANN-TANG JOUYUNG-LI YANGHSIU-HAO CHANGSu S.Lin K.-S.2020-12-162020-12-1620081545-5009https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-36849090819&doi=10.1002%2fpbc.21185&partnerID=40&md5=bdf317d59fac4247a18254acfc40f4a9https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/526449Objective. A National Thalassemia Screening Program was adopted in Taiwan in 1993. This report examined that program's results and impact. Methods. Patients with β-thalassemia major born between 1994 and 2003 were recruited through the help of all thalassemia clinics in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the reasons for affected births. Results. There were 97 affected births from 1994 to 2003.These births resulted after informed choice (n = 4), screening problems (n = 83), and undetermined causes (n = 10). Approximately 83% (5/6) of affected births in 2003 came from interracial marriages. Conclusions. This report has identified several areas that might improve the thalassemia-screening program, including carrier screening in high school rather than in early pregnancy and the involvement of genetic counselors, providing care of new female immigrants. ? 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.[SDGs]SDG3article; beta thalassemia; human; live birth; major clinical study; pregnancy; prenatal care; priority journal; screening; Taiwan; beta-Thalassemia; Continental Population Groups; Female; Genetic Counseling; Genetic Screening; Humans; Male; Prenatal Diagnosis; Taiwanjournal article10.1002/pbc.21185174272302-s2.0-36849090819