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Birth defects and parental consanguinity in Norway
C Stoltenberg1, P Magnus, R T Lie
1National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
This study found higher birth defect risks in children of Pakistani immigrant parents in Norway, primarily linked to parental consanguinity. Socioeconomic factors showed minimal impact on these risks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Immigrant populations may have different birth defect frequencies due to various factors.
- Consanguinity and socioeconomic status are known influences on birth defect rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare birth defect frequencies in Norwegian immigrant groups versus the native population.
- To assess the impact of consanguinity and socioeconomic factors on these frequencies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1.56 million births in Norway (1967-1993).
- Categorization of births by parental origin: Norwegian, one immigrant parent, two Pakistani parents, two parents from other immigrant countries.
- Statistical comparison of birth defect risks, considering consanguinity and parental education levels.
Main Results:
- Children of two Pakistani parents had a 1.39 relative risk of birth defects (CI 1.22-1.60).
- Consanguinity significantly increased birth defect risk (RR ~2) across all groups; 28% of Pakistani birth defects were linked to consanguinity.
- No increased risk for non-consanguineous Pakistani children; socioeconomic factors had limited independent effect.
Conclusions:
- Consanguinity is a major contributor to elevated birth defect risks in Pakistani immigrant families in Norway.
- Public health strategies should consider cultural practices related to consanguinity in immigrant populations.
- Further research on specific genetic and environmental interactions is warranted.