Genetic and reproductive consequences of consanguineous marriage in Bangladesh.

Abstract

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the prevalence, sociodemographic factors, reproductive consequences, and heritable disease burdens associated with consanguineous marriage (CM) in Bangladesh.MethodsA total of 7,312 families, including 3,694 CM-families, were recruited from 102 locales of 58 districts of Bangladesh. Using a standard questionnaire, we collected medical history and background sociodemographic data of these families. Family history was assessed by pedigree analysis. Fertility, mortality, secondary sex ratio, selection intensity, lethal equivalents were measured using standard methods.ResultsThe mean prevalence of CM in our studied population was 6.64%. Gross fertility was higher among CM families, as compared to the non-CM families (p ConclusionThis study highlights the harmful consequences of CM on reproductive behavior and the incidence of hereditary conditions. It essences the need for genetic counseling from premarital to postnatal levels in Bangladesh.