Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Women Toward Prenatal Genetic Testing

Abstract

Objectives:We aim to address public knowledge, attitudes, and practices relative to prenatal genetic testing as a starting point for policy development in Jordan.Study design:We conducted a cross-sectional prenatal genetic testing knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey with 1111 women recruited at obstetrics and gynecology clinics nationwide. Data were analyzed using a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical tests.Results:The overwhelming majority (>94%) of participants considered prenatal genetic testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, procedures to be good, comfortable, and reasonable, even when the non-diagnostic nature of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening was explained. Likewise, 95% encouraged the implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening within the Jordanian health system, but most preferred it to remain optional. However, women in higher-risk age brackets, in consanguineous marriages, and with less education were significantly less interested in learning about non-invasive prenatal genetic screening. Only 60% of women interviewed were satisfied with the services provided by their obstetric/gynecologist. The more satisfied the women were, the more they are likely to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening.Conclusions:In sum, although the data support the receptivity of Jordanian women to national implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, such policies should be accompanied by health education to increase the genetic literacy of the population and to engage high-risk populations. Thus, this offers rare insight into the readiness of 1 particular Arab population to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening technologies.

Attitude of women and their husbands regarding prenatal invasive testing attending genetic clinic at a tertiary referral center, India

“…In this study, the a tude of the high-risk pregnant women following counselling was unfavorable towards the prenatal invasive tests despite the fact that majority of the pregnant women were from urban area with higher educa on and in the age group of 21-30 years. Similar demographic profiles 10 were observed in the studies done by Tsai GJ, et al where 48% of women were below the age of 30 years and by Graaf IM De et al where around 80% of the women were from the 11,14,15 urban residence. It is also important to note that post counselling; both women and husbands had unfavorable a tude towards the prenatal invasive tests in spite of the repor ng that their knowledge and understanding was adequate and both of them were mature enough to make the decisions on their own.…”

Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of Genetic Testing for Hereditary Disorders Among Malaysians in Klang Valley

“…Previous studies reported a deficiency of knowledge of genetic testing among the public, including populations in developed and developing nations (Vermeulen et al, 2014 ; Agurs-Collins et al, 2015 ; Hann et al, 2017 ; Eum et al, 2018 ; Altaany et al, 2019 ). Meanwhile, similar studies targeting prenatal or neonatal genetic testing revealed that health education, facilities, and infrastructures should be further improved to enhance the adaptation of non-invasive genetic testing among the public (Kusyk et al, 2013 ; Abdo et al, 2018 ). Moreover, Colotto et al ( 2015 ) reported a good level of awareness of and interest in genetic testing among medical students (Colotto et al, 2015 ).…”

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Influence of Prenatal Counseling on the Attitudes and Preferences Toward Invasive Prenatal Testing Among Women in Their First Trimester of Pregnancy (INVASIVE)

“…Similarly, In Rumania, Pop-Tudose et al (2018), found that 48% of women have never have heard about any test for Down's syndrome detection. Differently to this Abdo et al (2018), found that more than 94% of Jordanian women would consider having a prenatal testing, specially cfDNA testing, although this rate was lower in women with less education.…”