Shenaz Ahmed1, Hussain Jafri2, Yasmin Rashid3, Gerald Mason3, Yasmin Ehsan2, Mushtaq Ahmed4. 1. Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL, UK. 2. Genetech Laboratory, Lahore, Pakistan. 3. Central Park Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. 4. Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, Leeds NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, LS7 4SA, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Stakeholders' views are essential for informing implementation strategies for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Little is known about such views in developing countries. We explored attitudes towards NIPT among obstetricians in Pakistan, a developing, Islamic country. METHODS: A 35-item questionnaire was distributed and collected at eight events (a national conference and seven workshops in five cities) for obstetric professionals on advances in fetal medicine. RESULTS: Responses from 113 obstetrician show positive attitudes towards implementation of NIPT: 95% agreed prevention of genetic conditions was a necessity, and 97% agreed public hospitals should provide prenatal screening tests. However, participants also agreed the availability of NIPT would increase social pressure on women to have prenatal screening tests and to terminate an affected pregnancy (53% and 63%, respectively). Most participants would not offer NIPT for sex determination (55%), although 31% would. The most valued aspects of NIPT were its safety, followed by its utility and then accuracy. CONCLUSION: Participants generally supported the implementation of NIPT but raised concerns about social implications. Therefore, national policy is needed to regulate the implementation of NIPT, and pretest information and post-test genetic counselling are needed to mitigate social pressure and support parents to make informed decisions.
OBJECTIVES: Stakeholders' views are essential for informing implementation strategies for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Little is known about such views in developing countries. We explored attitudes towards NIPT among obstetricians in Pakistan, a developing, Islamic country. METHODS: A 35-item questionnaire was distributed and collected at eight events (a national conference and seven workshops in five cities) for obstetric professionals on advances in fetal medicine. RESULTS: Responses from 113 obstetrician show positive attitudes towards implementation of NIPT: 95% agreed prevention of genetic conditions was a necessity, and 97% agreed public hospitals should provide prenatal screening tests. However, participants also agreed the availability of NIPT would increase social pressure on women to have prenatal screening tests and to terminate an affected pregnancy (53% and 63%, respectively). Most participants would not offer NIPT for sex determination (55%), although 31% would. The most valued aspects of NIPT were its safety, followed by its utility and then accuracy. CONCLUSION:Participants generally supported the implementation of NIPT but raised concerns about social implications. Therefore, national policy is needed to regulate the implementation of NIPT, and pretest information and post-test genetic counselling are needed to mitigate social pressure and support parents to make informed decisions.
Authors: Hilary Bowman-Smart; Julian Savulescu; Christopher Gyngell; Cara Mand; Martin B Delatycki Journal: Prenat Diagn Date: 2019-10-10 Impact factor: 3.050