Knowledge and perceived risks in couples undergoing genetic testing after recurrent miscarriage or for poor semen quality

Abstract

Couples with recurrent miscarriage (RM) and men with poor semen quality may undergo genetic testing as part of the diagnostic work-up. This study explored their knowledge and perception of genetic testing, evaluated psychological wellbeing and identified associated variables. A prospective questionnaire study was conducted in seven clinical genetics centres and referring gynaecological departments in couples with RM or poor semen quality. Questionnaires were completed before disclosure of genetic test results. Main outcome measures were knowledge, perceived risk, anxiety and depression. Of 439 participants, 256 were not aware genetic testing was part of the diagnostic work-up. One-third (36% RM, 33% poor semen quality) indicated they had not received information about the genetic test from their doctor. Perceived risk of receiving an abnormal genetic test result was higher than objective risk. Anxiety was highly correlated with perceived risk. Women with RM were more anxious than women in the poor semen quality group or men (P<0.01). These couples undergoing genetic testing have a suboptimal understanding of the nature of testing, overestimate the risks of receiving an abnormal result and some show high levels of anxiety. The results of this study can be used to improve patient counselling before genetic testing.

Combined and Relative Effect Levels of Perceived Risk, Knowledge, Optimism, Pessimism, and Social Trust on Anxiety among Inhabitants Concerning Living on Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil

“…An explanation for this difference may be that respondents in Vandermoere’s [3] study have felt able to control pollution routes and then can distinguish between risks and hazards, while respondents in this research are unable to control routes. Our conclusion is in line with that of Lima [1], Nielsen et al [18], and Vansenne et al [23], who have concluded that perceived risk has a significantly positive effect on anxiety.…”

“…Column 1 of Table 1 shows that many studies aim at a wide variety of hazards, including living near incinerators or industrialized areas [1,2], facing virus infection [15,21], encountering daily hassles or fireworks disasters [14,24], and contracting different types of illnesses [16,20,23]. Despite the high number of studies on anxiety, Vandermoere [3] is the only one focusing on determinants of anxiety among inhabitants concerning living on HMCS.…”

“…Most researches indicate that perceived risk has a positive effect on anxiety [1,18,23], whereas Vandermoere [3] illustrates that perceived risk has no significant effect on anxiety. In terms of consequences of knowledge, Selinger et al [20] demonstrate that it has a positive effect on anxiety, whereas an insignificant effect is illustrated by Absetz et al [12] and Chan et al [13] Lim et al [9] reveal that for patients scheduled for abdominal surgery, knowledge of postoperative care can add to anxiety rather than decrease it, but acquisition of knowledge can result in reduction of anxiety for breast patient.…”

Paket Pendidikan Kesehatan “Tegar” Terhadap Pengetahuan, Sikap Dan Kecemasan Ibu Pasca Abortus

“…Pada 2 dapat dilihat bahwa sebagian besar ibu pasca abortus baik kelompok intervensi maupun kelompok kontrol ber pendidikan menengah yaitu sebesar 58,8%, dan sebagian besar tidak bekerja atau ibu rumah tangga sebanyak 18 orang (52,9% (Vansenne et al, 2011). Perbedaan sikap sebelum dan sesudah diberikan paket pendidikan kesehatan antara kelompok intervensi dan kelompok kontrol menunjukkan perbedaan yang bermakna.…”

Psychosocial aspects of preconception consultation in primary care: lessons from our experience in clinical genetics

“…Some of them express the wish to perform advanced ultrasound examination, which is not the golden standard for chromosomal aberrations. In addition, women with a high recurrence risk of miscarriage may experience high levels of anxiety (Vansenne et al 2011 ).…”