Investigating the necessary cases of genetic counseling in couples referred to pre-marriage test centers, Yazd, Iran

Introduction: Genetics counseling has an important role in preventing genetics abnormalities. These abnormalities have economical, social, psychological and emotional stresses on families and on community. Therefore, it is necessary to have careful programs to increase the knowledge of people about the importance of genetics counseling. In this study, the necessary cases of pre-marriage counseling, regarding, genetic diseases, were investigated. Methods: In this Cross-Sectional descriptive study, 272 couples who were referred to Yazd, Nikoopour center from March to July 2008 were investigated. A designed questionnaire was completed for all couples and a sample of their peripheral blood was taken for testing blood indices. The data were analyzed, using Chi-square test with 0.05% significance level. Results: Regarding consanguinity, 39 (14.3%) couples were close relatives. In 35 (12.9%) couples there were diseases in first degree relatives, that indicates the necessity of genetic counseling. These diseases were in the second degree relatives of 19 (7%) couples and in the third degree relatives of 58 (21.3%) couples. Overall, 127 (46.69%) couples were candidate for genetics counseling. Conclusion: This study indicated the importance of doing genetic counseling for the newly married couples. It is recommended that the responsible organizations inform the young people about the importance of genetic counseling.