Me. Mennie et al., PRENATAL SCREENING FOR CYSTIC-FIBROSIS CARRIERS - DOES THE METHOD OF TESTING AFFECT THE LONGER-TERM UNDERSTANDING AND REPRODUCTIVE-BEHAVIOROF WOMEN, Prenatal diagnosis, 17(9), 1997, pp. 853-860
A comparative study of women who underwent prenatal cystic fibrosis (C
F) carrier screening by either the 'two-step method' or the 'couple me
thod' was carried out 2-4 years after testing. Recall of the screening
test and test result, understanding of the implications of the test r
esult, and reproductive intentions and behaviour were compared. Women
screened by the two-step method were significantly better informed on
the genetic implications of the test result and the significance of be
ing a single gene carrier than their couple screen counterparts. Regar
dless of the method of screening, a majority of those who had received
a negative test result erroneously believed that they were definitely
not a carrier. However, women who intended having further children we
re significantly more likely to understand correctly that a negative t
est result meant that they were unlikely to be a CF carrier. The metho
d of testing had no influence on reproductive intentions or behaviour.
Differences in emphasis, content and presentation of pre-screening in
formation and counselling between the two methods of screening are ide
ntified. Reasons for variation in the long-term understanding between
women screened by the two methods are discussed. (C) 1997 by John Wile
y & Sons, Ltd.