Awareness and Prevalence of Common Genetic Disorders in Rural and Urban Communities of Jammu Region

Genetic disorders constitute a significant public health challenge worldwide, particularly in developing countries where limited awareness, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and insufficient genetic counseling services contribute to delayed diagnosis and poor disease management. The Jammu region, characterized by diverse ethnic populations, geographical heterogeneity, and varying socioeconomic conditions, presents unique challenges in understanding the burden of inherited disorders. Factors such as endogamy, consanguinity in specific communities, and limited access to specialized healthcare may increase the occurrence of genetic abnormalities while reducing opportunities for early detection. Rural populations often experience lower awareness regarding hereditary diseases, prenatal diagnosis, and genetic counseling compared with urban populations, although urban communities may benefit from improved healthcare infrastructure and educational resources. This review examines the awareness and prevalence of common genetic disorders in rural and urban communities of the Jammu region, focusing on chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene disorders, congenital anomalies, hereditary blood disorders, and inherited metabolic diseases. The article further discusses epidemiological trends, associated risk factors, diagnostic approaches, public awareness, healthcare challenges, and strategies for strengthening community-based genetic services. Improved public education, newborn screening, carrier testing, prenatal diagnosis, and integration of genetic counseling into primary healthcare can substantially reduce the burden of hereditary diseases in the region. Existing evidence indicates that Jammu and Kashmir likely has a substantial but under-characterized burden of inherited disorders because of population structure, endogamy, and limited diagnostic resources.