University Students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the National Premarital Screening Program of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: There is an elevated rate of hereditary hemoglobinopathies in Arab populations. To address this, the Saudi government has implemented a mandatory premarital screening (PMS) program. Nevertheless, reports have shown that 48% of genetically incompatible partners have decided to marry. To address this, more information is needed on people's beliefs on these issues.

Aim: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Taif University students towards the national PMS program.

Materials and methods: Using a questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted during April-May 2016 on a random sample of university students in Taif City. It was administered electronically and primarily distributed through social media.

Results: Most participants (97.4%) were aware that genes may transmit hereditary diseases and had heard about the PMS program. Most participants who partook in the PMS justified it based on preventing disease transmission to their offspring and ensuring their partner's health. A fair number (82.9%) were willing to change their decision to marry in the case of receiving incompatible results. Moreover, the majority of the participants (91.8%) demanded the implementation of a law that prohibits incompatible marriages.

Conclusion: Most Taif University students have a generally positive attitude and good intended practices toward PMS. However, targeted educational programs about the importance of PMS are strongly recommended to eliminate all factors that may affect the success of the PMS program.

Keywords: Consanguinity; Saudi Arabia sickle cell anemia; hereditary hemoglobinopathy; marriage; premarital screening; reproductive health; thalassemia.