Cognitive Predictors of Cousin Marriage Among Couples Visiting Counseling Centers in Kohgiluyeh-Boyer Ahmad Province

Giving birth to a child with disabilities is two-three times more likely in consanguineous marriages. Due to the various negative consequences of such marriages، this study aimed to determine the cognitive predictors of consanguineous marriages. In this cross-sectional study، convenience sampling was applied to select 516 people who visited four different marriage counseling centers in Kohgiluyeh-Boyer Ahmad Province. A self-report questionnaire was administered to collect data. Bivariate correlations and logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the data in SPSS-20. The mean age of the respondents was 23. 43 ± 3. 96 years (range: 15-30 years). About 43. 4% of the participants had married a relative. Regression analysis suggested subjective norms (OR = 1. 304) and cultural factors (OR = 1. 244) as the best predictors of cousin marriage. Considering the high rate of cousin marriage in the studied population، it is pre-marriage genetic counseling seems essential. Designing educational interventions on subjective norms and cultural factors related to cousin marriage may also be useful in reducing the rates of cousin marriages.