Consanguinity and its effects: The Love that dare not speak its surname

Year : 2017 | Volume : 5 | Issue : 3 Page : 37 - 42

N Sreeja ¹, Rupshikha Dutta ²

¹Third semester MBBS student , 2Professor, Department of Anatomy, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagunoor , Karimnagar , Telangana.

Address for correspondence: N Sreeja,Third semester MBBS student, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagunoor , Karimnagar , Telangana,India

Email: srija.nittoori@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: Consanguineous marriage means marrying biologically related or blood relatives. Consanguinity is a deeply rooted trend in the South Indian States.

Aims and Objectives : The aim of the study is to determine the current prevalence and pattern of consanguinity, compare and estimate the health parameter in the offspring of consanguineous couples with those of non consanguineous couples, investigate attitudes and awareness of the target population regarding consanguinity and its associated reproductive risk; finally educating the target population, so that they can guide the society well.

Materials and Methods The study was done in Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences. A population of 500 students between age group of 18-25 years of both sexes, randomly selected from Telangana . A questionnaire was designed which was the key in collecting data from the target population.

Results :

• Prevalance: 41% against 59% non-consanguineous parents..
• Hindus (41.2%) preferred uncle-niece union, Muslim (51.7%) favoured 1st cousins, Christians (54.5%) opted for 2nd cousins.
• Pattern among Hindus: Uncle-niece union 41.5%, first cousins 30.7%, second cousins 15.6%.
• 19% consanguinity presented birth defects; statistically significant.
• 46.1% rural population were consanguineous; statistically significant
• History of early death / miscarriage / still birth was found in 16.1% of consanguinity; statistically significant .
• Medicos (76.9%) were more aware of consanguinity and its effect compared to paramedical students; is statistically significant.

Conclusion : This study was a preliminary step to obtain first hand information about the magnitude of consanguinity in our state. Appropriate data can guide consanguineous couples take informed decisions regarding reproductive choices.

Keywords : Awareness, Birth defects, Consanguinity, Genetic counseling.