Consanguineous Marriage among the Parents of Hearing Impaired Students in Mashhad

Objectives: The prevalence of consanguineous marriage is about 30 % in Iran and this can increase the probability of incidence of genetic impairments such as hearing impairments. Hearing impairment in comparison with other hereditary disorders is the most incident. The purpose of this survey is to identify the prevalence of consanguinity among the parents of sensoryneural hearing impaired students in Mashhad. Methods: One hundred and forty parents of hearing impaired students in primary school and guidance school in Mashhad took part in the study. The questionnaire that consisted of some questions about the history of family and hearing loss was given to the mothers. After finishing the trend of research, the results were analyzed using the SPSS program. Results: The results showed that, in 61.4% of people, consanguinity was present, which, first cousin consanguineous marriage was found among the parents of 43.6% of the students and second cousin consanguinity was present in 17.9% of them and there was significant relation between consanguineous marriage and having more than one disabled children in the family, as, 77.7% persons who had more than one handicapped child, had consanguineous marriage. Discussion: According to prevalence of hearing impairment in consanguineous marriage that was measured 61.4% in this study, therefore, it seems essential, the prevention of hereditary hearing impairment. Consanguineous marriages is one of the cultural problems at present time, that may lead to some inherited disorders like hearing impairment so we should give enough information about the risk of consanguinity and its related outcomes to the involved people.