Publication: Demographic and Clinical Profile of Women Attending Genetic Clinic for Prenatal Invasive Testing at a Tertiary Referral Center, India
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu university
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
The Prenatal Invasive Tests (PIT) are used during pregnancy for the detection of
genetic anomalies. Studies addressing the profile of women who come to seek
prenatal invasive testing are scarce.
Objective
To assess the socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profile of women who
are referred for prenatal invasive testing in a tertiary referral center in India.
Method
A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken in 60 women who came to
the genetic clinic at a tertiary referral center, New Delhi, India following counseling
regarding prenatal invasive testing. Data was collected using a self-developed and
validated semi-structured questionnaire, administered after the counseling for
the test by the counselor. Data were analyzed using mean, percentage, standard
deviation and range.
Result
The majority of the women were from urban residences and all of them were
literate. Nearly half of the women were in the age group 21-30 years. Mean
gestational age was 19.24 ± 2.63 weeks and most were pregnant for the second time.
The main reasons for referral were advanced maternal age and abnormal obstetric
ultrasonography. The participant’s understanding of the test was still incomplete
despite the counseling and there was a need for additional counseling/information.
One-third of them preferred additional counseling whereas, the remaining two-
thirds preferred booklets and pamphlets.
Conclusion
The profiles of pregnant women referred to genetic clinic provide better insight about
their background for the health personnel and this study emphasizes rechecking the
understanding regarding invasive tests following counseling; which eventually helps
for appropriate decision making regarding the tests.
KEY WORDS
Awareness, Decision making, Counseling
Description
Koirala N,1 Kafle SP2
1Purbanchal University School of Health Sciences
Gothgaon, Morang, Nepal
2BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Dharan, Nepal
Keywords
Awareness, Decision making, Counseling