Prevalence and Sociodemographic correlates of Consanguineous Marriage in Rural population of Vijayapura District

Abstract

Background: Consanguineous marriages, defined as unions between closely related individuals, are influenced by a complex interplay of cultural, social, economic, religious, and demographic factors. Despite a decline in first-cousin marriages due to increased education, urbanization, and greater awareness of genetic risks, such unions persist due to perceived benefits like familial support, cultural continuity, and economic stability. These marriages are prevalent among communities such as Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Christians, and Parsis in Southern and Western Asia, with significant regional variations within India. This study explores the global distribution and health impacts of consanguineous marriages, focusing on diseases such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, breast cancer, obesity, and rare genetic disorders. The health implications include elevated risks of genetic disorders, congenital malformations, and adverse reproductive outcomes. The National Family Health Survey indicates that Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have the highest prevalence of consanguinity in India. By examining Northern Karnataka, where limited research exists, this study fills a critical gap in the literature and raises awareness about the consequences of consanguinity. Increased understanding and community education are essential for addressing the health challenges posed by consanguineous marriages and informing future research and policy initiatives. Objectives 1) To assess the prevalence of consanguineous marriage in rural areas 2) To assess the socio-demographic factors associated with consanguineous marriage Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Unnat Bharath Abhiyan villages (Ukkali, Donur, Yambatnal, Hegadihal, Deginal) affiliated with BLDE Shri B M Patil Medical College, focusing on ever married females aged 15-49 within the reproductive age group. Data were collected from January 2023 to April 2023 using an interview technique with a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. After obtaining ethical clearance, the questionnaires were translated into Kannada and pilot study was done. A thorough enumeration of all households in the villages of Yambatnal, Donur, Hegadihal, Deginal, and Ukkali was conducted to identify ever married women within the reproductive age group. Consanguineous marriages were identified, and prevalence was calculated using the formula, Prevalence of consanguineous marriage Total number of consanguineous marriages Total number of ever-married women in the reproductive age group (15-49) X 100 Participants were informed about the study's purpose, and informed consent was 12 obtained, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation. Data collection involved door-to-door visits, with adjacent households approached if initial households were inaccessible. A pilot study was done in Donur village screening for 30 households, identifying 15 females in consanguineous relationships using pretested and semi structured questionnaire, after the interview minor modifications were made in the final questionnaires and they are included in the final study. The socio-demographic profile, marital status, and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI), Vital parameters such as blood pressure, pulse rate were recorded, and haemoglobin levels were measured using an automated hemoglobinometer (Acon Mission Hb testing system). Results A total of 108 consanguineous marriages were enlisted after screening. The prevalence of consanguineous marriage obtained was 2.7%. Most of the respondents were between 24-29 years (32.4%) age group, belongs to Hindu (87%) by religion and majority of them were homemakers (96.3%). About 58.3% respondents were residing in third-generation families, 41.7% were belongs to lower-middle class, and 10.2% were illiterate. Among the respondents only 34% have the knowledge of consanguinity consequences. Cultural (80.6%) and religious (19.4%) factors were found to play a critical role. The study highlights a significant association between respondents' knowledge related to the consequences of consanguineous marriage with related to literacy level and SE status. Conclusion The present study, highlights the critical roles of education, socioeconomic status, and cultural practices in influencing consanguineous marriages. We observed a decrease in these marriages compared to previous data, with literacy levels inversely related to their prevalence, suggesting education's pivotal role in reducing this practice. The findings of the present study underscore the need for a multifactorial approach incorporating educational, economic, and cultural factors to address this issue