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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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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Arumugam
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | - Sri Sowmya Kalluri
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, IND
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | - Vijayan Sharmila
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | | | - Akarsh Mocherla
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | - Jyoti Kulkarni
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
| | - Joy A Ghoshal
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, IND
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Niyibizi JB, Rutayisire E, Mochama M, Habtu M, Nzeyimana Z, Seifu D. Awareness, attitudes towards genetic diseases and acceptability of genetic interventions among pregnant women in Burera district, Rwanda. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1961. [PMID: 37817129 PMCID: PMC10563347 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16866-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 3% of all pregnancies are associated with conditions linked with disability, either mild or severe congenital diseases. This is a consequence of environmental and genetic exposures. Complications and poor management of these diseases arise due to limited knowledge, awareness about the disease, and limited resource settings. The current study assessed awareness, attitudes towards genetic diseases, and acceptability of genetic interventions among pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among 664 pregnant women in six selected health centers in Burera district using a detailed questionnaire. The data were analysed using STATA Version 15 and entailed univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The mean age of the study participants was 28, and most of them were in the age range of 21 to 30 (50%). Most of the participants were married (91.1%), Christians (98.4%), farmers (92.7%), used public health coverage (96.6%), and attained primary studies (66.1%). The findings from this study showed that among participants, adequate awareness was at 29.5%, inadequate awareness at 70.5%, positive attitudes at 87.1%, negative attitudes at 12.9%, high acceptability at 97.1%, and low acceptability at 2.9%. While there was no significant difference between awareness and acceptability, there was a statistical significance between attitudes towards genetic diseases and acceptability towards the use of genetic services (p < 0.01). There was no statistical significance between sociodemographic or obstetric characteristics and the acceptability of genetic interventions. Participants with positive attitudes towards genetic diseases were more likely to develop a high level of acceptability and willingness towards the use of genetic interventions (OR: 5.3 [2.1-13.5]). Improving awareness about genetic diseases and establishing genetic interventions in healthcare facilities are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Baptiste Niyibizi
- School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus, Rwanda.
- School of Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences Division, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Butaro, Rwanda.
| | | | - Monica Mochama
- School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus, Rwanda
| | - Michael Habtu
- School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Daniel Seifu
- School of Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences Division, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Butaro, Rwanda
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Tash AA, Al-Bawardy RF. Cardiovascular Disease in Saudi Arabia: Facts and the Way Forward. J Saudi Heart Assoc 2023; 35:148-162. [PMID: 37554144 PMCID: PMC10405907 DOI: 10.37616/2212-5043.1336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major health concern globally. While some risk factors for CVDs are non-modifiable, other determinants like obesity, hypertension, type-2 diabetes and dyslipidemia can be mitigated by a wide plethora of measures to control CVD morbidity and mortality. Those determinants have been on the rise in Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyle. The Saudi Vision 2030 aims to reduce CVD clinical and economic burden and to scale up vitality and longevity; in a new era of comprehensive healthcare. From a health economics standpoint, CVDs entail a burden on healthcare systems directly through expenditure and indirectly through years living with the disease, low productivity, premature morbidity and mortality. This manuscript reviews current CV health and unmet needs in Saudi Arabia, discusses G20 countries' initiatives on primary prevention: public health measures, awareness programs; and proposes national registries and digital solutions to facilitate population-specific research, improve CV surveillance and alleviate CVD burden in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A. Tash
- The National Heart Center at the Saudi Health Council, Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia
| | - Rasha F. Al-Bawardy
- King Faisal Cardiac Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science, Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center,
Saudi Arabia
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Exploring People's Knowledge of Genetics and Attitude towards Genetic Testing: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Population with a High Prevalence of Consanguinity. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112227. [PMID: 36360568 PMCID: PMC9690465 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated people’s knowledge of genetics, attitudes toward genetic testing, and views on consanguinity. This cross-sectional study utilized a validated questionnaire modified from published studies to collect data on people’s knowledge of genetics and attitudes about genetic testing among 1008 respondents from various Saudi Arabian regions. Using SPSS software version 26, data were analyzed using a t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis. p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. About 59.9% of the participants had sufficient knowledge of genetics, and around 50% had a favorable attitude toward genetic testing. Knowledge of genetics is significantly correlated (p ≤ 0.001) with a positive attitude toward genetic testing. Gender, age, level of education, marital status, family income, and family history were significantly correlated with respondents’ understanding of genetics. Gender, family income, residence, and family history were associated with attitudes toward genetic testing at a 0.05 level of significance. There is a need to strengthen peoples’ knowledge of genetics and attitudes toward genetic testing through diverse educational programs and healthcare strategies. Impetus on how to disseminate genetic information on consanguinity and transmission of diseases should be prioritized in regions where consanguineous marriages are high.
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Alrefaei AF, Hawsawi YM, Almaleki D, Alafif T, Alzahrani FA, Bakhrebah MA. Genetic data sharing and artificial intelligence in the era of personalized medicine based on a cross-sectional analysis of the Saudi human genome program. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1405. [PMID: 35082362 PMCID: PMC8791994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of the Saudi Human Genome Program (SHGP), one of the top ten genomic programs worldwide, is highly dependent on the Saudi population embracing the concept of participating in genetic testing. However, genetic data sharing and artificial intelligence (AI) in genomics are critical public issues in medical care and scientific research. The present study was aimed to examine the awareness, knowledge, and attitude of the Saudi society towards the SHGP, the sharing and privacy of genetic data resulting from the SHGP, and the role of AI in genetic data analysis and regulations. Results of a questionnaire survey with 804 respondents revealed moderate awareness and attitude towards the SHGP and minimal knowledge regarding its benefits and applications. Respondents demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding the privacy of genetic data. A generally positive attitude was found towards the outcomes of the SHGP and genetic data sharing for medical and scientific research. The highest level of knowledge was detected regarding AI use in genetic data analysis and privacy regulation. We recommend that the SHGP’s regulators launch awareness campaigns and educational programs to increase and improve public awareness and knowledge regarding the SHGP’s benefits and applications. Furthermore, we propose a strategy for genetic data sharing which will facilitate genetic data sharing between institutions and advance Personalized Medicine in genetic diseases’ diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmajeed F Alrefaei
- Department of Biology, Genetic and Molecular Biology Central Lab, Jamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yousef M Hawsawi
- Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 40047, Jeddah, 21499, Saudi Arabia.,MBC: J04/ College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh, 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Deyab Almaleki
- Department of Evaluation, Measurement, and Research, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarik Alafif
- Computer Science Department, Jamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Jamoum, 25375, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Alzahrani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Embryonic Stem Cells Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammed A Bakhrebah
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Life Science and Environment Research Institute, P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh, 11442, Saudi Arabia
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Tehsin F, Almutawah FH, Almutawah HK, Alwabari ME, AlSultan ZM, Buawadh HS. Preimplantation Genetic Testing: A Perceptual Study From the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2021; 13:e20421. [PMID: 35047260 PMCID: PMC8758912 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chromosomal abnormalities affect many children which lead to high rates of morbidity and mortality among them. So, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an evolving technology used to detect a specific genetic disorder in embryos of a couple known to be carriers or affected by a specific mutation. Similarly, it could be used in advanced maternal age which is a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Although PGT is a solution for many inherited chromosomal disorders, many ethical dilemmas surround its application. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the community awareness and acceptance of PGT which will eventually lead to a healthier society through disease-free babies in Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted within the population of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed in Arabic and distributed electronically through social media platforms. Results: The study included 837 participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 years with the mean age 33.5 ± 11.9 years. Good awareness and acceptance were detected among 53.7% of the old aged group (50 years or more) compared to 39.5% of the young age group. Also, 44.9% of female participants had good awareness in comparison to 34.2% of males (p=.033). Participants with a higher number of children had significantly higher awareness and acceptance of PGT. Also, 44.3% of participants who knew someone in need of assisted reproductive technology, had good awareness and acceptance levels compared to 36.9% of those who did not (p=.033). Conclusion: The perception of Eastern Province’s Saudi citizens toward PGT is found to be low. Increasing their perception toward such technology is needed as it is known that many chromosomal abnormalities are prevalent among this population, particularly sickle cell disease. Achieving this goal will eventually lead to decrease the burden of prevalent inherited diseases. Since Saudis' opinions are almost influenced by cultural and religious points of view, care should be given to these aspects.
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