Abstract

This research paper explores the people’s perception about the effects of consanguineous marriages on the health of the child. The literature on consanguineous marriages reported increased risk of still births and neonatal deaths in such marriages. Additionally, there are higher chances of anomalies manifested through various disorders such as thalassemia, deafness, mental retardation, blood disorders, cardiac issues, asthma and diabetes. Such risks and hazards can be redressed through proper investigations. A household study has been carried out in Gujranwala district. The data have been collected through multistage sampling technique with a pretested structured questionnaire as a tool. Health Belief Model (HBM) by Becker (1974) was utilized to explore the importance of bringing health information regarding such health risks. The results of the research provide sufficient evidence to prove that the lack of information about cousin marriages on the part of the general public. The results and findings got through this study may be helpful for the community health educators for devising strategies to control negative consequences as the result of the practice. This study may also change the behavior of our community towards consanguinity.