Consanguineous couples should be adequately informed about their increased reproductive risk and possibilities for genetic counselling. Information may only be effective if it meets the needs of the target group. This study aimed to gain more insight
into: (1) attitudes of people belonging to ethnic groups in Western society towards consanguinity and their understanding of risk
for offspring; and (2) their attitudes regarding reproductive information targeted at consanguineous couples. Dutch Moroccans
and Turks were invited to complete an online questionnaire by snowball sampling and by placing a link on two popular Dutch
Moroccan/Turkish forum websites between September and October 2011.
The questionnaire was completed by 201 individuals who were, on average, neither positive nor negative towards consanguinity. Respondents with a consanguineous partner were
more positive, estimated the risk for the offspring lower and were less positive about the provision of risk information to
consanguineous couples when compared with respondents without a consanguineous partner. Participants of Turkish origin had
a more negative attitude towards consanguinity and estimated the reproductive risk higher than Moroccan participants. More
than half of the respondents thought that information should be given before marriage, whereas only 10% thought it should
never be provided. The general practitioner was most often mentioned (54%) as the designated professional to inform people.
Information about genetic risks related to consanguinity should be offered early, preferably before marriage. The diversity of the
target population requires various strategies to disseminate information and reach consanguineous couples with the offer of
genetic counselling.
European Journal of Human Genetics (2014) 22, 452–457; doi:10.1038/ejhg.2013.167; published online 7 August 2013
Leia o artigo na íntegra: Risco reprodutivo em cosanguinidade.