JBCGenetics |

Original Article

Volume: 2 | Issue: 2 | Published: Dec 28, 2019 | Pages: 99 - 106 | DOI: 10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719

Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience

Authors

Maha Alshalan

Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Majid Alfadhel

Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,

ORCID

Publication History

Received: November 19, 2019

Accepted: December 26, 2019

Published: December 28, 2019

Abstract

Background: Prenatal diagnosis (PND) is an effective method for early detection of genetics and hereditary diseases during pregnancy in order to help the couple to take the proper decision regarding affected fetus. The current study aimed at assessing the attitude of Saudi couple regarding prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy (TOP) for fetal abnormalities. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional was carried out; 100 couples attended Genetic Clinics in King Abdullah Specialized Childrens Hospital in Riyadh, who were interviewed using an questionnaire consisting of four parts covering socio-demographic data of participants, family & obstetric history, knowledge, and attitude of couples regarding PND and TOP. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results: The results of the study showed that the mean age of fathers were 38.8± 8.1 years, while the mean age of mothers were 33.9 ± 6.9 and most of the couples (93%) lived in the urban area. Among them, 47% of couples had a positive family history of genetic diseases; 16% of mothers performed PND in their previous pregnancies. Among them, 62% and 76% of fathers and mothers, respectively, had satisfactory knowledge about PND and TOP with a statistically significant difference between them. Conclusion: A comprehensive genetic counselling service offered to the couples may influence the decision on TOP. The awareness about PND and TOP is crucial to obtain good understanding and positive future strategies.

Keywords: Prenatal diagnosis, termination of pregnancy, fetal abnormalities, Saudi couples, attitude

Pubmed Style

Maha Alshalan, Majid Alfadhel. Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience. JBC Genetics. 2019; 28 (December 2019): 99-106. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719

Web Style

Maha Alshalan, Majid Alfadhel. Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience. https://jbcgenetics.com/articles/2180 [Access: June 02, 2025]. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Maha Alshalan, Majid Alfadhel. Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience. JBC Genetics. (2019), [cited June 02, 2025]; 28 (December 2019): 99-106. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719

Harvard Style

Maha Alshalan, Majid Alfadhel (2019) Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience. JBC Genetics, 28 (December 2019): 99-106. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719

Chicago Style

Maha Alshalan, Majid Alfadhel. "Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience." 28 (2019), 99-106. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Maha Alshalan, Majid Alfadhel. "Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience." 28.December 2019 (2019), 99-106. Print. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Maha Alshalan, Majid Alfadhel (2019) Attitudes to prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities in Saudi couples: a single center experience. , 28 (December 2019), 99-106. doi:10.24911/JBCGenetics/183-1574152719