JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

This study seeks to investigate the prevalence of consanguineous marriages in the 21st Century world. It has three objectives, viz.: to establish the prevalence of consanguineous marriages in the world in this 21st Century, to describe the health risks associated with such practices, and to identify effective intervention strategies to check the trend. Social Exchange Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Family System Theory, which complement one another, constitute the theoretical framework. This study establishes a marked increase in the prevalence of consanguineous marriages sparking outrage and calls for reform in many parts of the globe including parts of Nigeria where such marriages are taboo, contemptible, and prohibited, despite the fact that many countries have laws prohibiting them and that God considers them as abominations and condemns them. It is found that the prevalence of consanguineous marriages is driven by cultural, social and economic factors such as family dysfunctionality, limited understanding of genetic risks, social and cultural norms and family tree/background. Health risks include increased susceptibility of the offspring to genetic disorders, and birth defects. Effective interventions including education, genetic counselling, community engagement, and policy changes are identified to reduce the prevalence of consanguineous marriages and mitigate their adverse health consequences. Some recommendations are proffered: parents should be intentional and raise up children who fear God and obey His commands and precepts; children who have adequate knowledge of social norms and family trees; issues and laws around adoption should be reviewed and better enforced, and loopholes mended.