Abstract

Hereditary or contagious diseases can disturb life leading to psychological, social and economic problems as well as medical complications with their reflection on the patient, the family and the society. Premarital screening is an important tool to control, minimize, and prevent genetic disorders, and some infectious diseases. This study aimed at assessment of the knowledge, beliefs and behavior of KSU female students in Riyadh, regarding the national premarital screening program (PMS). A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in King Saud University targeting female students. A total of 120 king Saud University's female students were selected randomly. Data was entirely collected over a period of one month. Study tool used was Self administered questionnaire. Most of The King Saud University's female students had fair knowledge and fair behavior towards premarital screening. The majority of them had high perceived severity of diseases prevented by premarital screening and benefits of premarital screening. The King Saud University's female students who had good behavior intention got the highest mean score of knowledge and perceived benefits. Perceived severity of disease prevented by premarital screening and total knowledge score predicted the King Saud University's girl student’s premarital screening behavior intention. Health education effort should be directed towards enhancing King Saud University's female students' knowledge, beliefs and behavior about premarital screening. There is also a need to enhance perception and increase knowledge regarding the benefits of premarital genetic testing. Continuing education for the public is particularly important in developing countries where the rapid evolution of health priorities requires a flexible response. Application of comprehensive health education programs about reproductive health and the importance of premarital care through different mass media especially T.V. is important.. Keywords: Hereditary, psychological, Knowledge, premarital.

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