Perceived risk not actual risk predicts uptake of amniocentesis

Article Abstract:

Amniocentesis is a procedure that is performed on pregnant women to check for genetic abnormalities in the developing fetus. The procedure involves inserting a long needle into the abdomen of the mother to obtain a sample of the fluid that surrounds the developing fetus (the amniotic fluid). It is recommended as a routine procedure for pregnant women over the age of 35. This is because the risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome (mental retardation associated with the presence of three copies of chromosome 21) increases as the age of the mother increases. Previous studies have reported that women who underwent amniocentesis were less concerned about the risk of miscarriage, which can occur during amniocentesis, and had a less negative attitude towards terminating a pregnancy involving an affected fetus. This article describes the results of a study designed to identify the factors that influence a woman's decision to undergo amniocentesis. The study included 71 pregnant women over the age of 38 who were given questionnaires. Sixty-one (86 percent) of the women elected to have amniocentesis. The women who chose amniocentesis felt that the risk of having an abnormal baby was relatively high, while those who chose not to have amniocentesis felt that the risk of having an abnormal baby was low. Also, those who chose amniocentesis had more favorable attitudes toward terminating their pregnancy if the amniocentesis showed that the fetus was abnormal. It is concluded that a woman's decision to have an amniocentesis is based on the perceived risk and not the actual risk of having an abnormal baby. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Surveys, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Pregnant women, Patients

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Factors influencing the uptake of screening for open neural-tube defects and amniocentesis to test for Down's syndrome

Article Abstract:

Down's syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by abnormal chromosomes, and involving defects in the fetal nerve tube, can be detected during pregnancy by two prenatal screening tests. The number and configuration of chromosomes can be analyzed directly from fetal cells obtained by amniocentesis. In addition, a decrease in alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood is highly suggestive of a defect in the fetal nerve tube. Despite the routine availability of these two tests, many women do not undergo them. To determine the factors influencing utilization, 197 women were questioned regarding knowledge of the tests, attitudes towards prenatal testing, termination of pregnancy and their perceived risk of having an abnormal infant. Only 150 women took advantage of the prenatal screening tests (76 percent). Data was available on 161 women, 128 of whom were tested for maternal alpha-fetoprotein and 33 were not tested. Of the information obtained from 18 women eligible for amniocentesis, 10 had the test and eight did not. With respect to alpha-fetoprotein screening, lack of information was the main reason for not having the test. The decisions not to have amniocentesis were based on attitudes towards termination of pregnancy and potential miscarriage. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Abnormalities, Testing, Down syndrome, Neural tube, Neural tube defects, Prenatal diagnosis, Diagnostic services, Alpha fetoproteins

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Incorrect recall of residual risk three years after carrier screening for cystic fibrosis: a comparison of two-step and couple screening

Article Abstract:

Couple screening for cystic fibrosis appears to be more effective than two-step screening. In a study of 275 women who were screened with one of the two methods, those who were screened as a couple were more likely to remember that they could still have a mutation even though they tested negative.

Statistical Data Included, Evaluation, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Cystic fibrosis

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