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Attitudes toward prenatal screening and testing for Fragile X
Joanna H Fanos1, Kerstin A Spangner, Thomas J Musci
1Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
Summary
Pregnant women support Fragile X screening, showing minimal anxiety. However, limited knowledge highlights the need for improved genetic counseling and education in prenatal settings.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- Medical Screening
Background:
- Current guidelines recommend Fragile X screening based on family history.
- Limited screening may miss affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pregnant women's attitudes towards widespread Fragile X screening.
- To evaluate the psychological impact of offering Fragile X screening prenatally.
Main Methods:
- Recruited pregnant women in their first trimester.
- Offered "Prenatal Diagnosis Options" counseling.
Main Results:
- Pretest knowledge of Fragile X syndrome was low (33%).
- Postcounseling knowledge, including risk understanding, remained limited.
- Participants favored screening and reported no significant anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Fragile X screening was a positive experience for participants.
- Widespread screening requires addressing educational and counseling challenges.
- Participants recommended offering screening during routine prenatal care.