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01-02-2009 | Original Research

Is There a Significant Trend in Prevalence of Consanguineous Marriage in Tehran? A Review of Three Generations

Authors: Seyed Mohammad Akrami, Vahideh Montazeri, Somaieh Rashid Shomali, Ramin Heshmat, Bagher Larijani

Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Consanguineous marriage is a common practice in Iran. The present study surveyed the trend in consanguineous marriage across three generations of Iranians. Index cases, consisting of 400 individuals attending the diabetes and osteoporosis clinic in Shariati Hospital, were interviewed. Data on consanguinity status for 1789 marriages within the index cases’ families were obtained. Generation 1 consisted of marriages contracted before 1948, Generation 2 consisted of marriages contracted between 1949 and 1978, and Generation 3 consisted of marriages contracted after 1979. Prevalence of consanguineous marriage within these three generations was 8.8%, 16.6% and 19%, respectively, and represented a significant trend (p < 0.001). First cousin marriage was the most common type of consanguinity (69%). Socioeconomic level of families was not significantly related to having a consanguineous marriage. These data suggest that premarital genetic counseling and mass media efforts are needed to increase public awareness about genetic risks associated with consanguineous marriage.

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Title: Is There a Significant Trend in Prevalence of Consanguineous Marriage in Tehran? A Review of Three Generations
Authors: Seyed Mohammad Akrami
Vahideh Montazeri
Somaieh Rashid Shomali
Ramin Heshmat
Bagher Larijani
Publication date: 01-02-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Genetic Counseling / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1059-7700
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3599
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-008-9191-y

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Is There a Significant Trend in Prevalence of Consanguineous Marriage in Tehran? A Review of Three Generations

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