Prevalence of Consanguineous Marriages in A Rural Community and its Effect on Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

Research question: What is the prevalence of consanguineous marriages in a rural community and what is the effect of consanguinity on pregnancy outcome? Objectives: To study (i) the prevalence and type of consanguinity and (ii) its effect on foetal loss neonatal mortality obstetric complications and congenital anomalies. Study design: Cross-sectional Setting: Shindoli village of District Belgaum. Participants: 500 married women residing in the rural field practice area were interviewed. Results: The prevalence of consanguinity was found to be 36%. Majority of the marriages were between first cousins (54.44%). Foetal loss was seen to be significantly higher in the consanguineous group as compared to non-consanguineous group (p<0.001). No significant effect of consanguinity was observed on the number of stillbirths neonatal mortality obstetrical complications and congenital malformations. Only 7.6% of the women were aware about the hazards of a consanguineous marriage. (authors)