Knowledge and Perception of and Attitude toward a Premarital Screening Program in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Premarital screening (PMS) is a primary preventive measure to decrease the incidence of certain genetic disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and perception of and the attitude toward PMS and predictors of knowledge and attitude. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Qatar University students using an online survey. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PMS knowledge and attitude. A total of 476 students participated in the study; 424 (89.1%) were females; two-thirds were 18-21 years old. Only 100 participants had heard about PMS. Knowledge of PMS was significantly associated with females, students enrolled in a health-related college, and non-consanguineous marriage of a participant's parents. The majority of the participants agreed that genetic diseases are psychological and economic burdens. For attitude, only 178 participants were willing to cancel marriages, given incompatible PMS results. The following factors were positively associated with attitude: PMS knowledge, enrollment in a health-related college, and the belief that PMS does not interfere with destiny. Our study findings revealed that despite the mandatory PMS in Qatar, the study participants, future couples, had low knowledge about the program. Therefore, strategies to increase awareness of PMS should be considered toward improving its outcomes.