Genetic disorder prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination practices in an Arab population

What is it about?

The manuscript reveals the attitude of a consanguineous population on the prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy (TOP) of Saudi population, which was always reported with high prevalence (42.1-66.7%) of consanguineous marriages. The high rate of consanguinity and genetic disorders in the Arab population tuned our research team to understand the attitude of the Saudi Arabians who married close relatives and with family history of genetic disorders toward the PND and TOP. The nationwide, cross-sectional study (n=2761; Margin of error 1.865% at 95% of confidence level), was conducted after the IRB approval to Saudi adults assessing attitudes toward PND and TOP. The prior experience on PND, family history of genetic diseases, consanguineous marriage, thinking of relative merits and demerits on PND and TOP were statistically analyzed. Various interesting results were observed and presented in the MS.

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Why is it important?

Key Finding in the conclusion:  Non-consanguineous are more willing to consider TOP than consanguineous.  Respondents with autistic cases in their family have higher acceptance rate for TOP.  Amongst the Saudi population, the attitude towards PND (68%) were more favorable than TOP (33%).  Willingness to go ahead with PND and TOP has increased recently.  Participants with abnormal fetus, aged of >36 years, married and educated Saudis were more likely consider TOP.

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