Youth consanguinity in relation to sociodemographic and women-related fertility factors in the Arab society of Israel

Abstract

Consanguineous marriages (CMs) had been practiced since the old ages, and still common in various communities worldwide, despite the negative effect on future offspring. We aimed to determine the prevalence of CMs in the young population (18-35 years) in relation to various sociodemographic and specific women-related fertility factors in the Arab society of Israel. The study was based on a survey conducted in the year 2021. The rate of CMs in this young population was high and accounted for 47%. The main type of CMs was the other CMs (OCMs) type (36%), which was higher than that of the first cousin and closer (FCC) marriage type (11%). The highest prevalence rate of CMs was found to be in the youngest age range (18-24 years), and FCC type specifically had also the highest marriage rate in this age range. The South region had the highest rate of CMs (~73%). The highest rates were among Muslims followed by Druze, and the lowest among Christians (~49%, ~42%, and 26.5% respectively). The rates of CMs, were inversely proportional to educational status, income-level, and employment status. The percentage of couples with ≥5 children in the CMs type (8%) was higher than those couples in the non-CMs type (4.6%). The women-related fertility factors were significantly associated with CMs. It was evident that the young generation is still practicing CMs to a high extent which is affected by various factors. Relevant effective strategies should be adopted to deal with this sensitive and vital issue for the benefit of future generations in our society.