Alessandro R Marcon1, Vardit Ravitsky2, Timothy Caulfield1. 1. Health Law Institute, Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 2. Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: As the use of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) increases, its benefits and concerns are being examined through surveys, qualitative studies, and bioethical analysis. However, only scant research has examined public discourse on the topic. This research examined NIPT discussions on the social media platform Reddit. METHOD: Content and qualitative description analysis was performed on 98 NIPT discussions (2682 comments), obtained by inputting "NIPT" into Reddit's search engine. RESULTS: Detailing of benefits and concerns was found in collaborative and supportive discussions. Overall, NIPT is seen as valuable and desirable. Some concerns focused on cost-related barriers to access, anxiety related to testing, and interpretation of results. NIPT is often portrayed as offering peace of mind and is sometimes described as a means of preparing for possible outcomes. CONCLUSION: In the discussions analyzed, NIPT is seen, overall, as valuable and greater access to it is desired. Some questions and concerns about NIPT were evident. Reddit stands as a valuable and appreciated tool for individuals wishing to discuss NIPT and to solicit and share information, opinions, and experiences. Health care providers should consider the ways social platforms such as Reddit can be engaged to better inform and educate the public.
OBJECTIVE: As the use of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) increases, its benefits and concerns are being examined through surveys, qualitative studies, and bioethical analysis. However, only scant research has examined public discourse on the topic. This research examined NIPT discussions on the social media platform Reddit. METHOD: Content and qualitative description analysis was performed on 98 NIPT discussions (2682 comments), obtained by inputting "NIPT" into Reddit's search engine. RESULTS: Detailing of benefits and concerns was found in collaborative and supportive discussions. Overall, NIPT is seen as valuable and desirable. Some concerns focused on cost-related barriers to access, anxiety related to testing, and interpretation of results. NIPT is often portrayed as offering peace of mind and is sometimes described as a means of preparing for possible outcomes. CONCLUSION: In the discussions analyzed, NIPT is seen, overall, as valuable and greater access to it is desired. Some questions and concerns about NIPT were evident. Reddit stands as a valuable and appreciated tool for individuals wishing to discuss NIPT and to solicit and share information, opinions, and experiences. Health care providers should consider the ways social platforms such as Reddit can be engaged to better inform and educate the public.
Authors: Christian M Parobek; Margaret M Thorsen; Phinnara Has; Paula Lorenzi; Melissa A Clark; Melissa L Russo; Adam K Lewkowitz Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2022-03-26 Impact factor: 10.693
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