PREMARITAL SCREENING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE REPRODUCTIVEHEALTH OF EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN KATAGUM LGA, BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

Premarital screening (PMS) has emerged as an effective public health strategy for the prevention of genetic disorders and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The program is designed to identify asymptomatic carriers of inheritable conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, as well as to detect infections like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. By offering prospective couples access to this information before marriage, PMS reduces the risk of transmitting these conditions to future generations and minimizes the social and economic burden associated with their management. Furthermore, couples with incompatible results are provided with counselling services, enabling them to make informed decisions about their marital choices, including the possibility of reconsidering marriage plans. Beyond its biomedical benefits, PMS also fosters health awareness, promotes preventive care, and contributes to reducing stigmatization through education and early detection. As a preventive approach, PMS not only safeguards individual and family health but also supports broader public health goals by limiting the prevalence of genetic and infectious diseases within communities