Prevalence and Perception of Women about Consanguineous Marriage in Al-Ramadi City

Abstract

Background: Consanguineous marriage is a common phenomenon in many communities and often related to several of undesirable health consequences. This study aims to study the prevalence and determinants of consanguinity and the perception and knowledge of women about the risk associated with it. Methodology: A cross- sectional study was carried out at the outpatient (OP) clinic in the Teaching Hospital of Maternity and Childhood, Al-Ramadi city, Anbar province, Iraq. A convenient sample of one hundred fifty married women who were interviewed over the period from 1st February to 30th March 2018. Results: The mean age (±SD) was 39.0 (±12.8) years. About two third (64.6) of marriages were consanguineous and 36.6% of which were between first cousins and 14.7% had a child with genetic disease or disability. Consanguinity has a negative and significant association with women’s’ education. Positive attitude towards inbreeding was 64.7%, however only 34.3% knew that it leads to genetic diseases. About 77.0% preferred to receive information about the risks of inbreeding and 94.7% to have medical examination before getting married. Conclusion: Although consanguinity is commonly practiced and accepted in Iraq, the awareness of mothers towards the related health consequences to their offspring remains low.