The prevalence of consanguineous marriages in an underserved area in Lebanon and its association with congenital anomalies.
BACKGROUND
Consanguinity is a recognized common practice among marriages in the Middle East. Many studies have suggested a strong association between first cousin marriages and the incidence of autosomal recessive diseases and congenital anomalies. The objectives of this study were to study the prevalence of consanguinity among the marriages of Bekaa (a region in Lebanon) with its sociodemographic correlates, and to assess the prevalence of congenital anomalies associated with these marriages.


METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional study done in three of the major areas of the Bekaa region. The sample size consisted of 552 households chosen based on proportionate random sampling according to population size in each area. The survey was conducted based on face-to-face interview with a member of the couples of each household.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of consanguineous marriages was reported to be 42% with first cousin marriage constituting around 31% of the total marriages. No association was found between different socioeconomic status (SES) correlates and first cousin marriages. Results showed a significant association between first cousin marriage and mental retardation, physical retardation, bilateral cleft lip +/- cleft palate, cystic fibrosis, and congenital blindness.


CONCLUSIONS
In a population with a high degree of inbreeding, the formulation of a public health program with multiapproach strategy, including education about the anticipated genetic consequences, prenatal diagnosis, neonatal screening, and genetic counseling, is a necessity.
Kanaan
Ziad M
ZM
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. zkanaan@med.wayne.edu
Mahfouz
Rami
R
Tamim
Hala
H
D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics*; D003241:Consanguinity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence