Abstract:〔Abstract〕 Objective To investigate and analyze the gene carrying rate and gene mutation types of thalassemia in couples of childbearing age in Shishi Area of Fujian Province, and to identify the epidemic situation in this area, so as to provide reference and guidance for eugenics. Methods The blood samples of 17 484 cases couples of childbearing age in Shishi Area of Fujian Province were collected for detection from July 2017 to December 2022. Both spouses underwent blood cell analysis, If the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was < 80 fL and/or the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was < 27 pg of one party of the couple, it was judged as positive in the preliminary screening; both spouses underwent hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis detection, if both spouses were positive (HbA2 ≤ 2.5 % or HbA2 ≥ 3.5 % or had other abnormal Hb bands), the gap–polymerase chain reaction (Gap–PCR) and reverse dot blot (RDB) technology were used to detect the thalassemia gene for both spouses. Results Among 17 484 cases couples of childbearing age, 2402 cases couples had abnormal blood routine examination in at least one side, and the positive rate of primary screening was 13.74 %; there were 436 cases who represented Hb abnormal electrophoresis, a total of 125 cases were diagnosed as thalassemia after genetic testing, with a diagnostic rate of 28.67 %; 86 cases of α-thalassemia were detected, with a detection rate of 68.80 %; 37 cases of β-thalassemia were detected, with a detection rate of 29.60 %; 2 cases of αβ-complex thalassemia were detected, with a detection rate of 1.60 %; and 12 cases (6 pairs) of high-risk couples with homologous thalassemia were detected, with a detection rate of 2.75 %. Conclusion The distribution of thalassemia in couples of childbearing in Shishi Area was mainly α-thalassemia, and the genetypes were mainly --SEA/αα; the genetypes of β-thalassemia were mainly CD41-42/N、IVS-Ⅱ-654/N; The high risk of homotypic carrier in couples mainly exists in α-thalassemia; It is necessary to continue to do a good job in the genetic detection of thalassemia, further track and analyze the prevalence of thalassemia, effectively prevent the occurrence of thalassemia, and reduce birth defects.