Sex Differences in the Utilisation of Premarital

Abstract: Premarital genetic screening can identify haemoglobin genotype and clarify inherited risk before marriage, but actual use may differ from future willingness. This study examined associations between sex and actual and potential utilization among students of Zamfara College of Arts and Science, Gusau. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was specified for 350 students selected through proportionate stratified and systematic sampling. Actual utilization meant genotype testing before marriage or during a serious relationship; potential utilization meant definite or probable willingness to screen when planning marriage. In the modelled dataset, 169 students (48.3%) reported actual utilization and 316 (90.3%) reported positive potential utilization. Females had higher actual utilization than males (53.8% versus 42.7%; p=0.038; OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.02-2.39) and higher positive intention (93.5% versus 87.1%; p=0.045; OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.00-4.52). Sex may influence screening behaviour, but findings require confirmation with actual data and adjusted analysis.

Keywords: actual utilization; genotype testing; potential utilization; premarital genetic screening; sex differences; students