engleski

Maternal serum screening for Down syndrome: A survey of pregnant women's views

This study was undertaken to assess women's self-reported awareness of Down syndrome before they become pragnant and after they were supposedly informed about screening. We investigated their understanding of the purpose of screening and what a high statistical risk for Down syndrome means, and if there was a high statistical risk whether they would undergo amniocentesis. Pregnant women (n=274) ranging from 17 to 43 years of age, with different educational backgrounds, were surveyed by means of questionnaire which was given to them immediately before blood samples were taken. Women without a college education were significantly less likely than those with a college education to be aware of Down syndrome prior to pregnancy. Many of them reported being unaware of it even after they had been counseled and tested. Women with lower level of education were also significantly less likely to have a clear understanding of purpose of screening. Fewer than 0, 7% of women who were tested said they were not prepared to undergo amniocentesis, and 47, 1% said they would consider amnicentesis only after receiving the screening test result. Procedures for educating women prior to meternal screening must be improved.

Maternal serum screening; survey; questionnaire; women's views

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