Health issues related to customary consanguineous marriage among British Pakistanis

Social, medical and genetic factors related to the practiceof consanguineous marriage are reviewed with particular respectto the British Pakistani population and recent media coverageof topic is also considered. The present study is based on asample of 78 first- and second-generation Pakistanis livingin Britain. The subjects were asked to give their views on consanguineousmarriages and to demonstrate their knowledge of possible healthproblems related to the practice. Sources of information andpersonal experiences of health education on the subject werealso determined. The popularity of consanguineous marriageswas attributed to social rather than religious or economic influencesby the majority of respondents, and television and magazineswere the major sources of health information, rather than schools,family or health workers, emphasising the need for accurateand unbiased information through these channels. Second-generationsubjects, in particular, stressed the desirability of consanguineouscouples receiving health information on potential risks, beforemarriage. Knowledge of genetic disorders associated with consanguineousmarriage was limited with only four subjects identifying beta-thalassemia,despite its high incidence in British Pakistanis (>18 perthousand). A majority of subjects emphasised the need to educateother population groups, including health workers, on the advantagesof consanguineous marriages to counter a perceived widespreadprejudice against the practice. Prenatal screening, with theoption of termination of pregnancy for serious fetal abnormalities,was favoured by a majority of both generations. The need fora considered and rational view of consanguineous marriage onthe part of health professionals is emphasised.