Prevalence of Consanguineous Marriages and Their Association with Autosomal Recessive Disorders in Sokoto State

Consanguineous marriages, defined as unions between biological relatives of second cousins or closer, are culturally practised in several communities across Northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto State. Such unions increase the probability of offspring inheriting identical alleles by descent, thereby elevating the risk of autosomal recessive disorders. This study assessed the prevalence of consanguineous marriages and their association with selected genetic disorders among families attending tertiary hospitals in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 280 married couples, with data collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information on family pedigrees, consanguinity degree, and history of genetic conditions such as sickle cell disease, albinism, and congenital hearing loss were recorded. The coefficient of inbreeding was calculated for reported unions. Analysis revealed a prevalence of consanguineous marriages exceeding regional West African averages, with first-cousin marriages being the most frequent type. A statistically significant association was found between consanguinity and the occurrence of autosomal recessive conditions in offspring. The study recommends integration of genetic counselling services within antenatal care in high-consanguinity communities in Sokoto State. Keywords: consanguinity, autosomal recessive disorders, inbreeding, Sokoto State, genetic counselling