KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVELS OF GENETIC DISEASES RESULTING FROM CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES AMONG SAUDI POPULATION

Authors

  • Elsharif A Bazie, Renad Y. Almuzini, Renad A. Alsayari, Ammar A. Alshuaibi, Reem F. Almaghthawi, Abdulla H. Alkhalifa, Effat A. Neyazi, Abdullah S. Alsaedi8, Kadi A. Alsuhaibani, Mussab Z. Almaghrabi, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Background: Consanguineous marriages, prevalent in Saudi Arabia, significantly increase the risk of genetic disorders as unions often involve close relatives. Public awareness of the genetic implications of such marriages is critical for reducing the incidence of hereditary diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of genetic diseases associated with consanguineous marriages among the Saudi population.

Methods: A randomized cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2024, involving 402 Saudi adults aged 18 and above. Participants were recruited via a structured questionnaire assessing their awareness of genetic diseases related to consanguinity. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25, focusing on demographic factors, levels of knowledge, and attitudes towards consanguineous marriages and genetic screening.

Results: The study revealed that 58% of respondents opposed consanguineous marriages, while 75.9% acknowledged health risks associated with these unions. A significant knowledge gap was noted, with only 39.1% demonstrating high awareness of genetic diseases, although 99.3% were aware of premarital screening's importance. Despite recognizing the life-threatening nature of genetic diseases (91%), only 25.4% believed effective treatments were available. Statistical analysis indicated significant correlations between knowledge levels and age (p=0.024) and educational attainment (p=0.048), with a concerning proportion of participants exhibiting low awareness levels (37.6%).

Conclusion: The findings highlight a crucial need for enhanced education and awareness initiatives regarding the genetic consequences of consanguinity in Saudi Arabia. While recognition of health risks associated with such marriages is relatively high, misconceptions about premarital screening and treatment options persist. These gaps in knowledge underscore the necessity for targeted public health campaigns to mitigate the hereditary impact of consanguineous marriages and improve community health outcomes. Improved education could promote more informed decisions and practices regarding marriage and genetic health within the Saudi population

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Published

2025-01-15

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How to Cite

KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVELS OF GENETIC DISEASES RESULTING FROM CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES AMONG SAUDI POPULATION. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 284-299. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1222