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. 2022 Jul;10(7):e1960.
doi: 10.1002/mgg3.1960. Epub 2022 Apr 28.

Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia toward Noninvasive prenatal testing: A single center study

Maaged A Akiel  1   2   3 , Mohamud S Mohamud  2   4 , Emad M Masuadi  2   4 , Hassan S Alamri  1   2
Affiliations

Knowledge and attitude of pregnant women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia toward Noninvasive prenatal testing: A single center study

Maaged A Akiel et al. Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a screening tool for chromosomal aneuploidies. Prior knowledge of NIPT is an inherent factor in the decision-making process. We assessed the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women related to prenatal testing with a particular focus on NIPT.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study, using a culturally validated questionnaire, was conducted with 342 pregnant women of whom 74.9% consented for prenatal screening. Mean age and gestational weeks ± standard deviation was 31 ± 5 and 26 ± 11, respectively.

Results: A positive/very positive attitude was observed to ultrasound, followed by FCT, NIPT, and lastly to CVS. More than half of the participants (56.1%) had no previous knowledge of NIPT. A reaching significance association was detected between education and knowledge of NIPT. Significant association was detected between risk for aneuploidy and knowledge of NIPT. The majority (74%) indicated their willingness to perform the test. The effect and value of society on the pregnant women to make a decision regarding NIPT was negligible.

Conclusion: The pregnant women in the current study displayed a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding prenatal screening, particularly the NIPT. We recommend that pregnant women receive adequate counseling regarding prenatal screening to increase their awareness and knowledge of prenatal testing, including NIPT.

Keywords: attitudes; decision-making; knowledge; prenatal diagnosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Perception of pregnant women on having a child with chromosomal aberrations. (a) Perception of the sample (n = 342) when asked about their reaction upon having a child with chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome. (b) Percentage distribution of the sample (n = 342) on what they think is considered a high probability and what their probability is of having a child with chromosomal abnormality, using mathematical expression. (c) Percentage distribution of the sample (n = 342) and their likelihood of having a child with chromosomal abnormality using a Likert scale (1: Not likely at all‐ 5: Very likely)
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Attitude of pregnant women toward prenatal testings. Percentage distribution of the sample (n = 342) who selected an attitude of positive/very positive
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Desired information to be included in the NIPT. Percentage of desired information selected by the sample (n = 342). Participants were allowed to pick multiple answers
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Factors affecting the decision to undergo NIPT chromosomal examinations. (a) Percentages of factors affecting the decision of 342 surveyed pregnant women to perform NIPT. (b) Percentages were distributed from highest to lowest. Percentages of individuals that can affect the decision of 342 surveyed pregnant women to perform NIPT. Percentages were distributed from highest to lowest
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