title: Demographic characteristics of the Israeli Arab community in connection with consanguinity.
abstract: In a previous nationwide survey of the Israeli Arab community we showed that 44% of all marriages are consanguineous. Further analysis of the data from this previous survey was undertaken, and we defined six demographic characteristics that may be associated with consanguinity or non-consanguinity in the marriages. Of these, we found a significant correlation (P <0.001) with religion (for Moslems, odds ratio 1.7), consanguinity in parents' marriages, and the respondent's attitude towards consanguineous marriage. The educational level achieved was not a major factor in the type of marriage chosen. These findings should enable us to plan specifically designed educational and counseling programs with a view to reducing the overall incidence of consanguineous marriage.
authors.affiliation: The Bridge to Peace Pediatric Center, Taibe, Israel.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jaber
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shohat
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Halpern
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018912:Arabs / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001290:Attitude; D002835:Christianity / Q000523:psychology; D003241:Consanguinity; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007514:Islam / Q000523:psychology; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000208:ethnology; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires