Discussing non‐invasive prenatal testing on Reddit: The benefits, the concerns, and the comradery

Abstract

Objective As the use of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) increases, its benefits and concerns are being examined through surveys, qualitative studies, and bioethical analysis. However, only scant research has examined public discourse on the topic. This research examined NIPT discussions on the social media platform Reddit. Method Content and qualitative description analysis was performed on 98 NIPT discussions (2682 comments), obtained by inputting “NIPT” into Reddit's search engine. Results Detailing of benefits and concerns was found in collaborative and supportive discussions. Overall, NIPT is seen as valuable and desirable. Some concerns focused on cost‐related barriers to access, anxiety related to testing, and interpretation of results. NIPT is often portrayed as offering peace of mind and is sometimes described as a means of preparing for possible outcomes. Conclusion In the discussions analyzed, NIPT is seen, overall, as valuable and greater access to it is desired. Some questions and concerns about NIPT were evident. Reddit stands as a valuable and appreciated tool for individuals wishing to discuss NIPT and to solicit and share information, opinions, and experiences. Health care providers should consider the ways social platforms such as Reddit can be engaged to better inform and educate the public.

The Optimal Cutoff Value of Z-scores Enhances the Judgment Accuracy of Noninvasive Prenatal Screening

“…The Z-score distribution of true and false positives of these chromosomes may be helpful for clinical counseling. Pregnant women whose NIPS results indicate risk of fetal abnormality should be treated differently depending on their choice of follow-up confirmation testing: (1) pregnant women are usually anxious when they are informed of the risk indicated by the results ( Marcon et al, 2021 ). Pregnant women with a Z-score ≥ 3 and < the optimal cutoff value for T21 and T18 could be told about the possibility of false positive to alleviate anxiety.…”

The Emergence and Global Spread of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing

“…As the number of conditions that NIPT can test for increases, possibly to include nonmedical uses, creative counseling mechanisms will be required to help people critically reflect on their decision whether to have NIPT (and if so, to detect what) and to mitigate harms from information overload. Since a growing number of individuals rely on the internet and social media to search for information about NIPT, it may be effective for HCPs to use online platforms to engage with the target population (91).…”

Experiences of receiving an increased chance of sex chromosome aneuploidy result from non‐invasive prenatal testing in Australia: “A more complicated scenario than what I had ever realized”

“…While there were clearly issues with accessing information about the SCA online, participants in this study and another recent study reported finding connecting with parents of/people with SCAs through social media and/or support groups helpful (Riggan et al, 2021). Additionally, there is evidence that people having NIPT may seek and value information and opinions from social media or online forums (Marcon et al, 2021). These findings highlight the desire for real world, relatable perspectives of the condition.…”