KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF PREMARITAL SCREENING PROGRAM AMONG COUPLES IN MOSUL CITY

Background: Premarital screening programs are essential public health measures aimed at identifying couples at risk of transmitting genetic diseases or sexually transmitted infections. In Mosul, limited data exist regarding couples’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward these programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first half of 2025 among 600 individuals attending premarital screening clinics in two major hospitals in Mosul. Data were collected through direct interviews and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: Only 52% of participants had heard about the program, and 24.7% understood its meaning, with significant differences across socioeconomic and residential groups (p<0.001). About 40.5% correctly identified its focus on hereditary diseases. Overall knowledge was poor. However, attitudes were positive, with 97.7% supporting the program and 95.5% recommending it to others. Consanguineous marriage preference was reported by 33.8% (p<0.001). Most participants demonstrated good practices, with 97.3% completing required tests and 96.3% reporting accessibility and ease of procedures. Additionally, 91.8% were willing to seek treatment if abnormalities were detected. Conclusions: Despite poor knowledge, participants showed generally positive attitudes and good practices toward premarital screening programs in Mosul.