J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2018 Nov;24(4):463-477. 10.5977/jkasne.2018.24.4.463.

Knowledge and Information Need for Prenatal Genetic Screening and Diagnosis and Attitude toward Terminating Pregnancy among Pregnant Women in South Korea

• Jun M
• Shin G
• Kim HK

• KMID: 2427593
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2018.24.4.463

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study identifies correlations among information needs and knowledge about prenatal genetic screening and diagnosis (I-PGSD & K-PGSD), and attitude toward terminating pregnancy (ATP) among pregnant women in South Korea.
METHODS
A descriptive survey was conducted from January 2013 to April 2014 in South Korea. 222 pregnant women responded to three questionnaires developed by the authors. The questionnaire for I-PGSD consisted of 19 questions; 18 questions for K-PGSD; and 10 questions for ATP.
RESULTS
Mean scores were 80.46±11.73 for I-PGSD; 14.86±3.74 for K-PGSD; and 33.71±6.13 for ATP. The ATP score was positively correlated with the I-PGSD and K-PGSD scores, but statistically significant with only I-PGSD (p=.006). I-PGSD scores were higher than average on three genetic syndromes (Down, Patau, and Edwards syndrome), on management after the diagnosis of positive fetal aneuploidy, and on test result interpretation after the amniocentesis and level II fetal ultrasonogram.
CONCLUSION
In light of current legal and moral controversy regarding terminating pregnancy and rapidly advancing prenatal genetic testing technology, more prenatal genetic education for nurses and nursing students who teach pregnant women is needed. In addition, more professional counseling services provided by trained nurses are also required.

Keyword

Abortion; Attitude; Genetic screening; Knowledge; Pregnancy

MeSH Terms

Adenosine Triphosphate
Amniocentesis
Aneuploidy
Counseling
Diagnosis*
Education
Female
Genetic Testing*
Humans
Korea*
Pregnancy*
Pregnant Women*
Students, Nursing
Ultrasonography
Adenosine Triphosphate