Knowledge, attitude and practice of down syndrome screening among pregnant women attending clinic in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality found in live-born babies. It is associated with mental retardation, physical disabilities and growth problems. Prenatal screening to identify genetic disorders gaining importance now a days. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice among pregnant women about prenatal screening of Down syndrome.Methods: This was a prospective study done in the department of obstetrics and gynecology in Prime Medical Centre, Sharjah. All pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic and gave the consent for the study were included. The study was conducted from April 2019 to September 2019. A self-structured questionnaire was given to these women and data was collected. Responses to pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude and practice were evaluated.Results: A total of 217 pregnant women were included in the study. Of the 217 women 64.97% had good knowledge about Down syndrome but only 23.04% women had good Knowledge regarding Down syndrome screening. Although 42.85% had right attitude towards screening but only 14.74% patients had followed good practice. Expensive test 43.65% and religious beliefs 25.39% were stated as major reasons for denial for screening tests.Conclusions: Pregnant women have good knowledge of Down syndrome but low awareness of screening tests. Although they had positive attitude towards screening test but less patients followed good practice.

Down syndrome: Knowledge and attitudes among future healthcare providers

“…The findings of this study highlighted positive knowledge and attitudes regarding people with DS among our sample of medical and health sciences students, on the basis of high median knowledge scores. Previous studies have investigated the awareness and attitudes of people toward individuals with DS in various settings, such as the general population and community members, 5 , 6 , 9 , 11 educators and teachers, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 parents and caregivers, 8 , 16 , 17 and school students. 7 , 18 However, data on the awareness and knowledge of medical and health sciences students regarding people with DS are scarce.…”

“…Furthermore, people have limited knowledge regarding DS and hold stereotypical attitudes toward individuals with this disorder. 8 , 9 , 10 Most studies have focused on the general population and community members, 5 , 6 , 9 , 11 or specific groups, such as educators and teachers, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 parents and caregivers, 8 , 16 , 17 or school students. 7 , 18 However, very few studies have assessed the knowledge and attitudes of the medical and health sciences students, who will be the future health care providers, regarding DS.…”