ASSESSING THE PRECISION AND IMPACT OF GENETIC COUNSELING IN DETECTING INHERITED CONDITIONS AMONG NEWLY WEDDED COUPLES: IMPLICATIONS FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND STRATEGIC FAMILY PLANNING - A CASE STUDY OF JAPAN

This study comprehensively evaluates the accuracy and impact of genetic counseling in the context of identifying hereditary diseases among newly married couples, with an emphasis on its implications for reproductive health and strategic planning of the family. The increasing prevalence of genetic disorders worldwide requires proactive interventions to mitigate the associated risks, and genetic counseling has become a crucial tool in this regard. By providing early detection and personalized counseling, genetic counseling provides couples with essential knowledge to make informed reproductive choices, thereby improving family planning strategies and reducing the incidence of hereditary diseases. The research aims to examine the accuracy and reliability of genetic counseling procedures in the detection of genetic predispositions. She delves deeper into the psychological and social ramifications of this advice, considering how it affects couples' perceptions, emotional well-being and preparation for parenthood. In addition, the study assesses how genetic counseling promotes informed decision-making and autonomy in reproductive planning, highlighting its role in addressing immediate and long-term health outcomes. Methodologically, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Quantitative analyses focus on assessing diagnostic accuracy, including the sensitivity and specificity of genetic tests, while qualitative methods explore the lived experiences and perceptions of couples receiving counseling. This dual approach not only provides a robust assessment of counseling effectiveness, but also highlights the nuanced social and ethical dimensions of genetic counseling. The results of this research are intended to inform the development of more effective and context-specific genetic counseling frameworks. These frameworks aim to optimize service delivery, address gaps in health policy, and improve access for diverse populations. In addition, the study highlights the importance of integrating genetic counseling into broader public health strategies, advocating for its role in promoting healthy families, reducing the burden of inherited disease, and improving reproductive health outcomes at the systemic level. By addressing the interactions between genetic counseling, health systems, and family planning, the research aims to make a substantial contribution to the fields of public health, medical genetics, and health policy. The study also explores the potential role of expanding genetic counseling services as a strategic tool for promoting public health. Improving access to genetic counseling, particularly for newly married couples, may reduce the prevalence of hereditary diseases, reduce the incidence of preventable genetic disorders, and contribute to more informed and healthier family planning decisions for generations. The research also provides recommendations for policy adjustments to make genetic counseling more accessible and effective, especially in light of Japan’s demographic challenges, such as low fertility rates and an aging population. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of genetic counseling on reproductive health and family planning in Japan, providing a model for other countries to follow in addressing the problem of hereditary diseases in the context of modern health care.