MENA Descendants & Genetic Abnormalities

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of consanguinity in the Middle East and North Africa. The region, also referred to as the MENA region, spans from Morocco to Iran. These identified Arab countries have an increased risk of genetic disorders that can result in sickle cell anemia and thalassemia (“Middle East & North Africa” 2024). Specifically, this study investigates the increased prevalence of these disorders in the MENA region, as well as the contributing factors behind the practice, such as education level and age at the time of marriage. An in-depth comparative analysis of previous research on this topic was undertaken to draw the correlation between the levels of consanguineous marriages in the MENA region and the levels of genetic variation disorders. The analysis shows that there is a correlation between the two variables while highlighting the practices to counteract such variations in the Middle East. These findings suggest a greater need for adaptive medical practices in the United States to adequately assist the growing number of Arab Americans nationwide.