Inbreeding and global health & development

Abstract

Inbreeding, commonly practiced in regions like North Africa, Central and West Asia, and South Asia, presents significant implications for global health and development. Consanguineous marriages, often between second cousins or closer relatives, are associated with increased risks of adverse prenatal outcomes, including stillbirths, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. Furthermore, inbreeding heightens the likelihood of infant and child mortality, congenital disabilities, cognitive impairments, and various complex disorders. While social benefits such as reduced domestic violence and closer family relations are associated with consanguinity, particularly in rural areas, the negative health impacts warrant attention. Research on effective interventions, including education and economic empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing inbreeding prevalence, is crucial for improving health outcomes and promoting development in affected regions. – AI-generated abstract.