Screening and genetic counseling for beta-thalassemia trait in a population unselected for interest: comparison of three counseling methods.

We have assessed the effects of screening and genetic counseling for beta-thalassemia trait on knowledge, attitudes, and behavior in a prospective, controlled study of randomly selected adult members of a health maintenance organization. We report here that knowledge of manifestations and of inheritance of thalassemia, previously reported to be high immediately after counseling, were well maintained at 2 and 10 months following counseling. There was no detectable impairment of self-concept. Marital adjustment improved, and sexual activity increased significantly. Mood, assessed immediately before and after counseling, showed no undesirable changes. A patient-structured counseling method, designed to minimize negative psychological effects via discussion of feelings, was not superior to conventional and programmed methods, described in our previous reports, in terms of learning or attitude change.