Consanguinity in the Lebanese population: knowledge, attitudes and practices.

Abstract

Consanguinity is associated with an increased risk of autosomal recessive diseases. Its prevalence varies globally, with notably high prevalence in Middle-Eastern countries. Gaining insight into both the prevalence of consanguineous marriages and societal attitudes toward them is essential for designing effective public health interventions. This study examines the current prevalence of consanguinity in Lebanon and explores its contributing risk factors. It further evaluates the knowledge of the Lebanese population regarding this practice and premarital genetic screening, as well as their attitudes toward consanguinity and genetic counseling. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 984 Lebanese individuals, aged 18 to 65 years, using an online self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of consanguinity in Lebanon was found to be 24.5%, with first-cousin marriages comprising 46.5% of these unions; place of residence was the only independent factors affecting consanguinity prevalence among our sample. Most participants had a good understanding of consanguinity but misconceptions about specific genetic risks persisted. Attitudes varied, with participants from consanguineous backgrounds showing greater acceptance of the practice. Logistic regression identified gender, education, occupational status, and age as independent predictors of consanguinity while insufficient income, having consanguineous parents, and having a poor knowledge were associated with a positive attitude towards consanguinity. While the prevalence of consanguinity remains high and consistent over time, societal beliefs and cultural practices continue to influence this phenomenon. Public health interventions should focus on raising awareness and disseminating accurate information about the implications of consanguinity and the importance of genetic counseling, particularly among communities with high prevalence of consanguinity.