Short ReportConsanguineous marriage in Iran

TLDR

Consanguineous marriage is a prominent feature of family systems in south‑west Asia. This study aimed to quantify the current prevalence and patterns of consanguinity in Iran to evaluate the need for genetic counselling services. Researchers examined 12 ethnic/religious groups using a multi‑stage sampling design that yielded a representative sample of 306,343 couples. The overall consanguinity rate was 38.6% (α = 0.0185), with first‑cousin unions at 27.9%, and significant variation by ethnicity, region, sect, and socioeconomic status, highest among the least affluent.

Abstract

Consanguineous marriage is a major feature of family systems in south-west Asia. The aim of the present study was to determine the current prevalence and patterns of consanguinity in Iran as a means of assessing the associated requirement for genetic counselling services. Consanguinity was studied in 12 ethnic/religious populations, the Persians (Shi’a and Sunni), Kurds (Shi’a and Sunni), Lurs, Azaris, Baluchis, Zabolis, Turkamans, Bakhtiaris, Ghashghais and Arabs. A multi-stage sampling design was used with a representative total sample of 306 343 couples. The overall rate of consanguineous marriage was 38.6% with a mean inbreeding coefficient (α) of 0.0185. First cousin marriages (27.9%) were the most common form of consanguineous union, with parallel patrilateral marriage especially favoured. Statistically significant differences were observed in the prevalence and patterns of consanguinity between ethnic/religious populations and geographical regions. There also were significant differences for proportions of consanguineous marriages between Shi’a and Sunni populations within the same ethnic group. The highest rates of consanguineous union were in the least affluent sections of the population.