Factors associated with continuing emergence of ß-thalassemic major despite prenatal testing:a cross-sectional survey

Factors associated with continuing emergence of ß-thalassemic major despite prenatal testing:a cross-sectional survey

Al Sabbah, Haleama
Khan, Sarah
Hamadna, Abdallah
Abu Ghazaleh, Lamia
Dudin, Anwar
Karmi, Bashar Adnan

9/25/17

English

20170925

Purpose: Health care initiatives focusing on prenatal testing and premarital genetic screening aiming to reduce the incidence of β-thalassemia have emerged during the last decade. In Palestine, 4% of the population are known thalassemia carriers with new cases continuing to appear despite the availability of prenatal testing. This study aims to identify factors that influence the decision to retain or abort fetuses affected by β-thalassemia in Palestine. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to select 32 women (72 fetuses) who were at risk of having a baby with β-thalassemia. A questionnaire on prenatal testing, test results, pregnancy outcomes, and factors influencing the decision to terminate the pregnancy were used for this cross-sectional study. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: Among the fetuses screened, 36 (50%) were thalassemia carriers and 20 (28%) had β-thalassemia

17 (85%) affected fetuses were aborted. Religious beliefs were the most cited reason for opposing abortion while prior experience with β-thalassemia patients and awareness programs promoted abortions. Mothers who opted to retain an affected fetus had modest educational attainment. Higher educational level was significantly associated with the decision to abort an affected fetus (p<0.05). Conclusion: A religious consensus is needed on the abortion of fetuses affected by β-thalassemia. Improving female education and increasing awareness on thalassemia could help reduce the incidence of β-thalassemia in Palestine and around the world.

12.3

12.3;15.2

abortion--pri];Islamic ethics--[pri];thalassemia--[pri]

fetal development;genetic disorders;hemoglobinopathies;prenatal diagnosis;questionnaires

Palestinians--[pri]

International Journal of Women's Health2017 September 25; 9:673-679

Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License

citation

23 refs

11791411 (online)