Assessment of Premarital Screening for Prospective Couples in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, 2021

Abstract

Aim of Study: to assess the prevalence of genetic and infectious diseases that could be identified through premarital screening in Aseer Region during 2021. Methods: Following a retrospective research design, this study included data of all prospective couples who underwent premarital examination in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, during 2021 (N=25,023). The researchers retrieved data of all prospective couples registered during 2021 through the Health Services Platform “Seha” for Aseer. Retrieved data included number of marriage proposals, lab results for inherited hemoglobinopathies, and chronic diseases, i.e., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus, (HIV/AIDS). A total of 128 patients with hepatitis B were identified (100, 78.1% were males), while 13 hepatitis C patients were identified (11, 84.6% were males), in addition to 9 HIV/AIDS patients, all of whom were males. Conclusions: Sickle cell disease and hepatitis B are commonly identified by premarital examination in Aseer Region. Males are more frequently affected than females. Health education regarding the negative impact of consanguinity is highly needed. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be enforced. Prospective couples whose offspring is at risk of hereditary diseases should be strongly convinced to comply with marriage cancellations. Key words: Premarital screening, Sickle cell disease, -thalassemia, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Saudi Arabia.