Abstract
BackgroundGenetic blood disorders are prevalent in the Middle Eastern countries causing physical, mental, and economic handicap. Premarital screening (PMS) is actively implemented to reduce the burgeoning load of these disorders. Literature shows a low response rate for PMS in this region. This integrated review aims to identify the knowledge and attitude of university students on PMS, as they are at the verge of entering into marriage relationships.Main body of the abstractWe systematically reviewed the electronic databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. Studies reporting about the knowledge and attitudes of Middle Eastern university students between 2010 and 2020 are included in the review. Twelve cross-sectional descriptive studies conducted in six countries met the inclusion criteria. Majority of the studies reported good level of knowledge on PMS among the university students, whereas not all of them agreed to undergo PMS due to various religious and cultural beliefs.Short conclusionWe recommend massive health education programs at the higher secondary and university levels to create better awareness on PMS. To improve the attitude towards PMS, life cycle approach and support of the religious leaders could be sought.
Highlights
Aims and methods Whittemore and Knalf’s integrated review process with five steps was used
Attitude, premarital screening, university students, and genetic blood disorders were used in the search
A total of twelve studies conducted in six countries, including Kuwait, 1; Yemen, 1; Jordan, 1; Oman, 1; Egypt, 1; and KSA, 7, met the inclusion criteria for this review
Summary
Aims and methods Whittemore and Knalf’s integrated review process with five steps was used. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify the studies exploring the knowledge and attitudes on PMS among university students. Attitude, premarital screening, university students, and genetic blood disorders were used in the search. Inclusion criteria included quantitative studies that (a) assessed the knowledge of university students on PMS, (b) explored the attitude of university students towards PMS, (c) were published in peer-reviewed articles in English, (d) were published between 2010 and 2020, and (e) were from Middle Eastern countries. Literature shows a low response rate for PMS in this region This integrated review aims to identify the knowledge and attitude of university students on PMS, as they are at the verge of entering into marriage relationships. Studies reporting about the knowledge and attitudes of Middle Eastern university students between 2010 and 2020 are included in the review.
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