Perception of consanguineous marriages and their genetic effects among a sample of couples from Beirut

We interviewed 100 women who had married a relative and 100 other women of the same age, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status, but who were not related to their husbands. Both women were selected from a hospital setting in Beirut, and were questioned about their outlook on consanguineous marriages, their awareness of the genetic consequences of consanguinity, and their relationships with in-laws. In general, the women in consanguineous marriages were more favorably inclined than the matched women to marriages between relatives; however, about half of each group would advise their son/daughter to marry his/her cousin. Awareness of the genetic consequences of consanguinity was wide-spread among the respondents, although the women who had married a relative were reluctant to express it. These women also reported better relationships with in-laws, which may be considered as a social benefit derived from consanguineous marriages. Based on the above findings, recommendations are made regarding the content of a public health educational program.