Experiences, Perceptions, and Meanings of the Ultra-Orthodox in Israel Regarding Premarital Genetic Testing.

Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 2985199R Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1573-6571 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00224197 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Relig Health Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: New York, NY : Springer
Original Publication: New York : Academy of Religion and Mental Health.

Genetic Testing* ; Jews*/psychology; Humans ; Israel ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Judaism/psychology ; Premarital Examinations/psychology ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Interviews as Topic

This article focuses on experiences and perceptions of the Jewish ultra-Orthodox population in Israel-a religious minority-regarding premarital genetic testing. Semistructured interviews with 38 ultra-Orthodox individuals revealed four major themes. These themes reflect strong awareness of testing importance among Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox, along with a high frequency of testing, while low awareness of testing importance was evident among Sephardi ultra-Orthodox along with a very low frequency of testing. The study's findings also indicate the central role that the Ashkenazi rabbis have in the routinization of the premarital genetic testing among their communities. Study limitations are discussed, and future research recommendations are provided.
(© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

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Keywords: Health behaviors; Premarital genetic test; Religious minorities; Ultra-orthodox

Date Created: 20230523 Date Completed: 20240430 Latest Revision: 20240430

20240501

PMC10204667

10.1007/s10943-023-01833-4

37219660