In which population is sickle cell anemia most commonly found?

Sickle cell anemia is most commonly found in individuals of African descent, particularly among African Americans. This condition is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. The prevalence of this mutation is higher in regions where malaria is or was endemic, as having one copy of the sickle cell gene provides a protective advantage against malaria. Consequently, the disease has a significant presence in populations with African ancestry, as the genetic adaptation arose in response to historical prevalence of malaria in those regions.

While sickle cell anemia can also occur in other populations, such as those from Mediterranean countries and parts of the Middle East and India, it is most notably recognized and studied within African American communities in the United States. The other populations mentioned—Caucasians, Hispanics, and Asians—have a lower incidence of sickle cell anemia, which is why the answer focuses on African Americans as the primary population affected by this condition.