PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE SOCIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF GENETIC COUNSELLING, PRE AND POST-MARITAL HEALTH SCREENING IN GUSAU METROPOLIS OF ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/aasd.vol4no1.91Keywords:
Genetic Counseling, Premarital Screening, Post-Marital Health, Public Health, Gusau MetropolisAbstract
This paper is an empirical examination of the genetic counselling, premarital screening and post-marital health facts in the Gusau Metropolis of Zamfara State. The paper is an exploratory study which employed the use of qualitative research methodology, thereby using the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and the Key Informant Interview (KII) for the data collection. Data collected were recorded and transcribed verbatim. It was converted into a written form, categorizations were then made and thematic analysis were provided. Findings of the study shows that although the benefits of genetic counselling and premarital screening are acknowledged by almost everyone, however, the acceptance and full conformity in Gusau is restricted by the economic challenges, inadequate infrastructural facilities, socio-cultural beliefs and religious inclination. The study therefore recommends that there are needs for policy reforms that would mandate screening for conditions that are considered highly risky; a subsidized and affordable testing; a platform that provides digital counsel; outreach services on mobile phone; advocacy through religious inclinations and a strengthened follow- up for post-marital health. The study established that implementation of these recommendations could largely lessen avoidable genetic disorders and facilitate a viable public health outcomes in the Gusau metropolis of Zamfara State.
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