Consanguineous marriage and its effects on reproductive behaviour, adverse pregnancy outcomes and offspring mortality in Oman

This paper examines the prevalence, trends and determinants of consanguineous marriages in Oman and analyses the effects of consanguinity on reproductive behaviour, pregnancy outcomes and offspring mortality, using data from the 2000 Oman National Health Survey (ONHS). Consanguineous marriages are highly prevalent in Oman (52%). First cousin unions are the most common type of consanguineous unions. Various patterns of consanguinity were observed, some of them are unique in nature. Women’s age at marriage, employment, place of childhood residence and geographical region appeared to be significant determinants of consanguineous marriages. Consanguinity shows a strong association with marital stability, early age at marriage and early childbearing. No appreciable change in the prevalence of consanguineous unions in Oman over the last four decades. However, recent marriage cohorts show slight declining trends. Consanguinity does play important role in determining some of the aspects of reproduction and health of new born, but did not show any detrimental effects on fertility and offspring mortality. The high level of consanguinity and its relevance to reproduction in Oman need to be considered in its public health strategy in a culturally accepted manner.