Demographic characteristics of the Israeli Arab community in connection with consanguinity.

In a previous nationwide survey of the Israeli Arab community we showed that 44% of all marriages are consanguineous. Further analysis of the data from this previous survey was undertaken, and we defined six demographic characteristics that may be associated with consanguinity or non-consanguinity in the marriages. Of these, we found a significant correlation (P <0.001) with religion (for Moslems, odds ratio 1.7), consanguinity in parents' marriages, and the respondent's attitude towards consanguineous marriage. The educational level achieved was not a major factor in the type of marriage chosen. These findings should enable us to plan specifically designed educational and counseling programs with a view to reducing the overall incidence of consanguineous marriage.