Pre-Marital screening in faith-based institutions, In Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City

Abstract

Background: Pre-marital screening programme is aimed at reducing the incidence of hereditary and sexually transmitted diseases in the society. The study was carried out to determine the types of tests done by churches in Oredo LGA, Benin City.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among all the 140 churches in Ihogbe and Ogbe quarters in Oredo LGA of Benin-City, Nigeria.

Result: Out of a total of 140 churches studied through their church leaders, all of them requested for HIV screening (100%), Haemoglobin genotype (100%), and ABO blood group (100%) tests. 94.3% (132) and 4.3% (6) required pregnancy tests and hepatitis B screening test, respectively before solemnizing marriage.

Conclusion: There should be training and capacity building for religious leaders, to appropriately manage issues concerning pre-marital screening.