PPIB and thalassemia: This distribution pattern was consistent with the data of Changsha Region in Hunan Province and indicated that Chenzhou had a lessened rate of α‐thalassemia and a relatively higher rate of β‐thalassemia compared with surrounding provinces of southern China.25 Moreover, the rate of composite α and β‐thalassemia (0.34%) in Chenzhou was newly determined in this study.