Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling Program: Studies from an Endogamous Population

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Genetics
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Limited knowledge of Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling (PMSGC) programs is documented in Arab countries.
• PMSGC programs are crucial for identifying and managing health risk factors impacting pregnancy outcomes.
• Understanding local perspectives on PMSGC is essential for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Qatari population regarding PMSGC.
• To identify factors influencing engagement with premarital screening services.
• To provide insights for enhancing PMSGC program implementation in Qatar.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1246 participants in Qatar.
• Data collection involved questionnaires on sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PMSGC.
• Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression, were used to identify predictors of PMSGC knowledge.

Main Results:

• Significant demographic and socioeconomic differences were observed between male and female participants.
• No significant differences were found between genders regarding knowledge of specific genetic disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia).
• Key factors associated with PMSGC knowledge included educational level, genetics counseling awareness, parental influence, and perceived impact on marriage decisions.

Conclusions:

• Qatari population exhibits low levels of knowledge and attitudes towards PMSGC programs.
• Implementing educational campaigns in schools and universities is crucial for program promotion.
• Enhancing counseling services to include genetic, chronic, and mental illnesses is a community priority.