Should Premarital Screening for Blood Disorders be an Obligatory Measure in Oman?

Abstract

Due to the high rate of consanguineous marriages in Oman, there is a correspondingly high prevalence of hereditary blood disorders, particularly sickle cell disease and β-thalassaemia. This article proposes the possibility of implementing mandatory premarital carrier screening for blood disorders in Oman, while giving due consideration to potential social and cultural obstacles. Although the implementation of such legislation would require collaboration between different sectors and may negatively affect the autonomy of certain individuals, mandatory premarital screening would help to alleviate the burden of hereditary blood disorders on the national healthcare system, as well as reduce avoidable suffering among carriers and their families. A s with many arab countries, consanguineous marriages are fairly common in Oman, accounting for 58% of all marriages. Keywords

Factors Affecting the Willingness to Undertake Premarital Screening Test Among Prospective Marital Individuals

“…Genetic disorders present a significant health impact on the Omani population due to high prevalence of consanguineous marriages ( Al-Balushi & Al-Hinai, 2018 ). One of the critical steps in the management of genetic disorders is a premarital screening test.…”

“…Similar findings were reported in earlier studies ( Al-Aama, 2010 ; Al-Farsi et al, 2014 ; Al-Kindi et al, 2019 ; Al Kindi et al, 2012 ). A premarital screening test is still optional in Oman; however, several studies have established the benefits of compulsory premarital screening in minimising the risk and impact of hereditary blood disorders through consanguineous marriages ( Al-Balushi & Al-Hinai, 2018 ; Alswaidi et al., 2012 ; Canatan & Delibas, 2016 ; Saffi & Howard, 2015 ). The findings from this study show a significant increase in the number of participants agreeing to the idea of a compulsory premarital screening test as a procedure before marriage – 76.1% compared to 53.4% in a previous study ( Al Kindi et al, 2012 ).…”

“…With higher incidence of consanguinity there is a significant increase in the prevalence of other inherited disorders such as diabetes, cancer, blood disorders, mental disorders, heart diseases, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, hearing deficit, G6PD deficiency, and common eye diseases ( Bener & Mohammad, 2017 ). Similarly, in Oman, the high prevalence of genetic blood disorders has been attributed to consanguineous marriages ( Al-Balushi & Al-Hinai, 2018 ; Rajab et al, 2013 ). In this country, 58% of all marriages are consanguineous and 75% of them are first cousin marriages ( Al-Balushi & Al-Hinai, 2018 ).…”

“…Similarly, in Oman, the high prevalence of genetic blood disorders has been attributed to consanguineous marriages ( Al-Balushi & Al-Hinai, 2018 ; Rajab et al, 2013 ). In this country, 58% of all marriages are consanguineous and 75% of them are first cousin marriages ( Al-Balushi & Al-Hinai, 2018 ). Premarital screening has been implemented to solve the issue of consanguinity and decrease hereditary disorders.…”

“…In addition, the child law in Oman issued by the Royal Decree No.22/2014 emphasized the importance of premarital screening and counselling ( Cook, 1987 ). A mandatory test before marriage has also been proposed by researchers in the field ( Al-Balushi & Al-Hinai, 2018 ). Premarital screening tests are available for all Omanis for free.…”