Work

Survival disparities and competing mortality risks in offspring of consanguineous marriages in Yemen: A 26-year retrospective cohort analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Consanguineous marriage is prevalent in many global populations and increases the risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders in offspring. However, long-term disorder-specific survival patterns and competing mortality risks in this population remain poorly quantified, limiting evidence-based prognostic counseling and healthcare planning. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine disorder-specific survival disparities, quantify cause-specific mortality using competing risks analysis, and evaluate the independent effect of the degree of consanguinity on mortality. METHODS: We conducted a 26-year retrospective cohort study (1998-2024) of 3,427 offspring from 1,065 Yemeni families. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained through multi-source verification. Survival analysis employed Kaplan-Meier estimators, Cox proportional hazards models, and Fine-Gray competing risks regression. RESULTS: Five-year survival varied substantially: 42.3% for hemoglobinopathies, 65.1% for congenital anomalies, 78.2% for neurodevelopmental disorders, and 92.4% for sensory impairments. First-cousin offspring had a 2.8-fold higher adjusted all-cause mortality risk (HR = 2.84, 95% CI 2.32-3.44) than non-consanguineous offspring. Competing-risks analysis revealed distinct age-specific mortality patterns: congenital anomalies dominated infant mortality (cumulative incidence 24.3%), whereas hematological disorders peaked in early childhood (18.7%). CONCLUSION: Survival in consanguineous offspring shows severe disorder-specific disparities and a strong mortality gradient with the degree of consanguinity. The competing-risks framework provides critical insights for prognostic counseling and for prioritizing early interventions targeting high-risk disorders during critical mortality periods.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349764

Authors: Naif Taleb Ali, Mansour Abdulnabia H. Mehdi, Radfan Saleh Abdullah

Institutions: University of Science and Technology, University of Lahej

Language: English

Topic: Marriage and Family Dynamics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382