Awareness of Health Consequences of Consanguineous Marriages among Saudi Adults

Abstract

Background: The practice of consanguineous marriages is a known health risk factor for offspring. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge towards the consequences of consanguineous marriages in a sample of Saudi Arabian adults. 

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 386 Saudi adults (aged 18 years and older), using self-administered structured questionnaire, who visited King Abdul-Aziz Medical City (KAMC)-Riyadh during July 2015. 

Results: The knowledge on the consequences of consanguineous marriages among Saudi adults was below average (41.2%). About 22 (5.7%) of the respondents lacked any knowledge on this matter, and around one-third of the sample never received any medical information about consanguineous marriages. The females had significantly more knowledge on the consequences of consanguineous marriages compared to the males (44.2±22.4 vs. 38.1±25.5, P=0.014). Respondents without a university education tended to have limited knowledge (36±23.7 vs. 46±3.6, P=0.001). The level of knowledge tended to increase for respondents who received advice from their friends (B=8.499, P=0.021), or had a university degree (B=7.454, P=0.016). 

Conclusions: The knowledge level of the respondents concerning consanguinity was below average. Saudi Arabia must conduct widespread health awareness on the risks associated with consanguineous marriages.