Journal of Medical Screening > Volume 16, Number 1 > Pp. 22-28

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Alswaidi, F. M Articles by O'Brien, S. J Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Social Bookmarking                      What's this?

Original Articles

Premarital screening programmes for haemoglobinopathies, HIV and hepatitis viruses: review and factors affecting their success

Fahad M Alswaidi, Epidemiology PhD student  , The University of Manchester, School of Translational Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group Stopford Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, UK

Sarah J O'Brien, Professor of Health Sciences and Epidemiology/Honorary Consultant , The University of Manchester, School of Translational Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, UK

Correspondence to: Fahad M Alswaidi, 81 Brantingham Road, Manchester, M16 8SA, UK; Fahad.Alswaidi{at}postgrad.manchester.ac.uk; f_alswaidi{at}hotmail.com

---

This literature review is a comprehensive summary of premarital (prenuptial) screening programmes for the most prevalent hereditary haemoglobinopathies, namely thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, and the important infections HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and hepatitis viruses B and C (HBV and HCV). It describes the background to premarital screening programmes and their value in countries where these diseases are endemic. The use of premarital screening worldwide is critically evaluated, including recent experiences in Saudi Arabia, followed by discussion of the outcomes of such programmes. Despite its many benefits, premarital testing is not acceptable in some communities for various legal and religious reasons, and other educational and cultural factors may prevent some married couples following the advice given by counsellors. The success of these programmes therefore depends on adequate religious support, government policy, education and counselling. In contrast to premarital screening for haemoglobinopathies, premarital screening for HIV and the hepatitis viruses is still highly controversial, both in terms of ethics and cost-effectiveness. In wealthy countries, premarital hepatitis and HIV testing could become mandatory if at-risk, high-prevalence populations are clearly identified and all ethical issues are adequately addressed.

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?