Arumugam S, Kalluri SS, Sharmila V, Subbiah NK, Mocherla A, Kulkarni J, Ghoshal JA. Acceptability of Prenatal Screening Tests Among Expectant Mothers in India: Insights and Implications for Public Health.
Cureus 2024;
16:e61246. [PMID:
38939276 PMCID:
PMC11210580 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.61246]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Prenatal screening tests are essential for preventing common genetic disorders, yet their acceptability among pregnant women in India remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the acceptability of prenatal screening tests and their correlation with demographic characteristics among pregnant women in India.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care, public hospital, involving 200 pregnant women. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic information and the acceptability of prenatal screening tests. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression.
RESULTS
Most participants demonstrated adequate acceptability toward prenatal screening tests, with 73% scoring above the threshold. Factors associated with higher acceptability included younger maternal age, second-trimester gestational age, higher education, salaried employment, and urban residence. However, factors such as parity, consanguinity, mode of conception, and family history of genetic disease showed no significant associations.
CONCLUSION
The study highlights positive attitudes toward prenatal screening tests among pregnant women in India, particularly among younger, more educated, and urban populations. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance awareness and accessibility of prenatal screening, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the genetic disorder burden in India.
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