Distribution and Clustering of Beta-Thalassemia- and Sickle Cell-Related Disorders Among Scheduled Tribes in Tamil Nadu: An Exploratory Multivariate Analysis

Background/Objectives: Beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disorders are among the most common inherited hemoglobin disorders affecting tribal populations in India, with marked ethnic and geographic heterogeneity. Although exploratory multivariate approaches have been used, only limited evidence is available regarding the distribution and clustering patterns of these disorders among Scheduled Tribe populations in Tamil Nadu. This study aimed to examine the distribution and population-specific clustering of beta-thalassemia- and sickle cell-related disorders among hematologically confirmed cases of the scheduled tribes from the selected districts.