Document Details

Document Type : Article In Journal 
Document Title :
Attitudes towards mandatory national premarital screening for hereditary hemolytic disorders
Attitudes towards mandatory national premarital screening for hereditary hemolytic disorders
 
Subject : Genetics 
Document Language : English 
Abstract : BACKGROUND: A compulsory national premarital screening (PMS) program for hereditary hemoglobinopathies was established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in February 2004. Termination of pregnancy of affected fetuses is not widely acceptable. Many couples decide to get married regardless of the result. A trend towards coercive interference with this decision is emerging. OBJECTIVES: To examine the attitude of young educated individuals regarding the national PMS program and its implementation. METHODS: Eight hundred university students (aged 18-29) filled in a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the EPI Info Statistical Package version 6. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Most students favor the PMS program but there were concerns regarding mandating the testing and interference with individual decision making. Significantly more women favored testing and coercive interference with the decision to marry. CONCLUSIONS: Further public education and wide spread genetic counseling prior to testing is essential for the success of the program. Screening singles on admission to university prior to any commitment may be preferable than screening immediately before the marriage certificate is issued 
ISSN : 0168-8510 
Journal Name : Health Policy 
Volume : 97 
Issue Number : 1 
Publishing Year : 1431 AH
2010 AD 
Article Type : Article 
Added Date : Sunday, July 3, 2011 

Researchers

Researcher Name (Arabic)Researcher Name (English)Researcher TypeDr GradeEmail
جمانة الأعمىAl-Aama, Jumana ResearcherDoctoratejalama@kau.edu.sa

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