KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE PRENATAL TESTING FOR DOWN SYNDROME SCREENING AMONG THE NEPALESE PREGNANT WOMEN

Abstract

Background: Down syndrome is one of the common chromosomal anomalies present at birth which can be detected prenatally. It is associated with number of congenital birth defects, distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability and developmental delay. So, mother can be given option whether to continue pregnancy or to terminate. Very few studies have been carried out in our settings to assessed the knowledge regarding down syndrome screening. The aim of the study is to find the knowledge of prenatal testing for down syndrome screening among the Nepalese pregnant women.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was carried out from 1st Feb 2022 to 30th April 2022. All pregnant women coming for routine antenatal checkup between 11-13 weeks in Obstetric and Gynecology Out Patient department were taken as study population. A self-structured questionnaire was made and data was collected. Response of the participants knowledge was evaluated.

Results: Out of 257 participants, fifty-three percent participants had knowledge regarding prenatal testing for Down syndrome screening. Sixty five percent people states that ultrasound alone can rule out Down syndrome. Only Twenty eight percent participants had knowledge that it is a chromosomal anomaly associated with physical and mental disability

Conclusions: Pregnant women have poor knowledge on prenatal screening and Down syndrome. So adequate knowledge regarding Down syndrome and its screening should be provided.