The Determinants of Consanguineous Marriages among the  Arab Population: A Systematic Review

Khaddouj El Goundali; Milouda Chebabe; Fatima  Zahra Laamiri; Abderraouf Hilali

doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i2.8679

Khaddouj El Goundali Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Morocco
Milouda Chebabe Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Morocco
Fatima Zahra Laamiri Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Morocco
Abderraouf Hilali Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Morocco

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i2.8679

Keywords: Consanguineous marriage; Determining factors; Matrimonial traditions; Arab populations

Abstract

Background: Inbreeding continues to account for a significant proportion of marriages among the Arab populations. Consanguinity is recognized in many studies as a significant factor affecting the health of the individual over several generations and poses a real public health problem. This systematic review was conducted to identify the determinants of consanguineous marriage among the Arab population published in the literature.

Methods: This systematic review of the determinants of consanguinity among Arab populations was conducted using databases: PubMed, Medline, Direct Science, Scopus, Web of sciences, Springer, Google scholar between 2000 and 2020. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. The selection steps were carried out based on PRISMA guidelines. Disagreements in article selection and data extraction were resolved by discussion or recourse to a third reviewer

Results: Overall, 25 studies were selected. The synthesis of the results concerning the determinants of Arab inbreeding revealed that several economic, socio-cultural and demographic factors seem to be associated with the choice of this type of marriage, such as socioeconomic status, low level of education especially among women, early age at first marriage, place of residence especially in rural areas, and women's status in the labor market.

Conclusion: The relationship between consanguinity and economic, socio-cultural, and demographic factors may be country-specific and highly dependent on the cultural context. Public awareness of genetic risks associated with inbreeding is indispensable.