Prenatal diagnosis in low resource setting: is it acceptable?

This study aimed to explore knowledge and acceptability of prenatal procedures both non-invasive prenatal screening tests and invasive procedures among Egyptian women in childbearing age and to assess their attitude toward such procedures. Also to examine confounding factors affecting women's attitude toward prenatal procedures.

A cross-sectional study on a representative sample of women in childbearing age attending Obstetrics & Gynecology outpatient clinic at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. An anonymous questionnaire was supplemented by voluntary interviewers for women in childbearing age.

465 women were included in the study. The mean age ± SD was 27 ± 6 years. About 44 % of women were knowledgeable about non-invasive prenatal screening procedure, and only 25.5 % had heard about invasive prenatal procedures. 88.8 % express positive attitude regarding performance of the screening tests. Forty-one percent of the group agreed to perform invasive prenatal procedures during their pregnancy. Educational level and family history of congenital anomalies significantly affected attitudes toward testing during future pregnancy. The cost of procedure affected the decision to perform in 56.7 % of women.

Egyptian women express positive attitude toward non-invasive prenatal screening but showed poor knowledge. Their attitude toward invasive procedure is guarded by the risk of abortion. Education and family history of fetal anomalies are the factors that affect attitudes. The cost of the prenatal test affects the decision made by the women to participate in testing.