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Related Experiment Videos

User acceptability of an alpha-fetoprotein screening programme

F S Jørgensen1

  • 1Danish Institute for Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hvidovre University Hospital.

Danish Medical Bulletin
|February 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary
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Alpha-fetoprotein screening can cause anxiety, especially with false positive results. Women with abnormal screening results, even if later found to be false positives, experienced significantly more anxiety than those with normal results.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Medical Screening
  • Psychological Impact of Medical Procedures

Background:

  • Prenatal screening programs aim to identify potential fetal abnormalities early in pregnancy.
  • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening is a common method used in prenatal diagnostics.
  • Understanding patient experience and psychological impact is crucial for improving screening programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess user acceptability and psychological impact of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening among pregnant women.
  • To investigate the degree and duration of anxiety experienced by women with false-positive or test-negative AFP results.
  • To evaluate the influence of AFP screening on daily life and women's willingness to undergo the test in future pregnancies.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • A questionnaire study conducted over one year (Oct 1988 - Sep 1989) at two Danish hospitals.
  • Involved 4104 pregnant women who had undergone AFP testing and were at least 30 weeks gestation.
  • Analyzed 3331 completed questionnaires, assessing anxiety levels, daily life impact, and re-test preference.

    • Main Results:

    • A significant association was found between AFP screening results and anxiety levels (p < 0.001).
    • 36% of women with abnormal AFP results followed by amniocentesis reported severe anxiety, compared to 2% with normal results.
    • 39% of women who had amniocentesis reported anxiety lasting one month or more, versus 2% with normal results.

    Conclusions:

    • False-positive AFP screening results are associated with substantial and prolonged anxiety in pregnant women.
    • The psychological burden of abnormal screening results, even if ultimately benign, is significant.
    • Further research into mitigating anxiety associated with prenatal screening is warranted.