Genetic disorder prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination practices among high consanguinity population, Saudi Arabia

Genetic disorder prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination practices among high consanguinity population, Saudi Arabia

AbdulAzeez, Sayed
Al Qahtani, Nourah H.
Almandil, Noor B.
Al-Amodi, Amani M.
Aldakeel, Sumayh A.
Ghanem, Neda Z.
Alkuroud, Deem N.
AlTurki, Ameen
AlQattan, Quds Abdulhakeem
Alghamdi,l Abdulrahman,
Alhur, Norah Fahad
Al Taifi, Hatoon Ahmed
Aljofi, Halah Egal
Jermy, B. Rabindran
Raman, Vinoth
Giambona, Antonino
Maggio, Aurelio
Borgio, J. Francis

English

20191121

The prevalence of consanguineous marriage and genetic disorders are high in Saudi Arabia. There were records on the practices of Saudis toward prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy (TOP), however the sample sizes are small. This study has targeted the Saudi Arabian community and family history of genetic disorders to determine the practices toward PND and TOP. The cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudis (n = 2761) to determine their practices toward reproductive-decision making. Regression analysis was conducted to identify the association of the limiting factors, relative merits and family history on the outcomes. Total of 2507 participants returned completed questionnaire. The practice towards PND (68%) were more favorable than TOP (33%). PND was found to be a good opportunity for early diagnosis and gives parent's choice. Education, history with affected baby, prior knowledge and religious belief were significant deciding factors of PND and TOP. Down syndrome (n = 161) and sickle cell anemia (n = 152) were commonly available genetic disorder among participant's family. Respondents with autistic cases in their family have higher acceptance rate for TOP. Non-consanguineous are more willing to consider TOP than consanguineous. Participants with abnormal fetus, aged of > 36 years, married and educated Saudis were more likely consider TOP. Though, religion is the most influencing factor for not accepting TOP, comparatively willingness to PND and TOP have increased recently. Awareness campaigns about PND and TOP may increase the chances of accepting prenatal genetic diagnosis.

15.2

15.2; 12.3

abortion [pri]; consanguinity [pri]; genetic disorders [pri]; knowledge, attitudes, practice [pri]; prenatal diagnosis [pri]

age factors; education; females; genetic testing; Islamic ethics; males; married persons; premarital screening; prevalence; questionnaires; survey

Saudi Arabia

Scientific Reports. 2019 November 21; 9(1):17248: 8 p.

Copyright © 2019, The Author(s). Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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20452322 (online)