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Consanguineous marriages

Preconception consultation in primary health care settings

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Abstract

Consanguinity is a deeply rooted social trend among one-fifth of the world population mostly residing in the Middle East, West Asia and North Africa, as well as among emigrants from these communities now residing in North America, Europe and Australia. The mounting public awareness on prevention of congenital and genetic disorders in offspring is driving an increasing number of couples contemplating marriage and reproduction in highly consanguineous communities to seek counseling on consanguinity. Primary health care providers are faced with consanguineous couples demanding answers to their questions on the anticipated health risks to their offspring. Preconception and premarital counseling on consanguinity should be part of the training of health care providers particularly in highly consanguineous populations.

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The author declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland

    Hanan Hamamy

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  1. Hanan Hamamy
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Correspondence to Hanan Hamamy.

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Special Issue: Genetic aspects of preconception consultation in primary care.

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Hamamy, H. Consanguineous marriages. J Community Genet 3, 185–192 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12687-011-0072-y

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