EVALUATING PATIENTS KNOWLEDGE OF MATERNAL SERUM SCREENING

The objective was to describe the development, characteristics, and in itial use of an instrument for assessing knowledge about maternal seru m screening (MSS). Items for a knowledge scale were selected based on a review of educational materials, the literature, and expert opinion. Items were pre-tested for comprehensibility and ambiguity in a conven ience sample. After extensive pre-testing and pilot testing a 14-item scale, the Maternal Serum Screening Knowledge Questionnaire (MSSKQ) wa s developed. It was administered to 1084 women attending a maternal re gistration clinic. The overall knowledge score was compared across soc io-demographic groups, and by sources of information about MSS. Mean M SSKQ scores increased with age, education, and family income, and amon g those reporting having an opportunity to discuss MSS and receiving w ritten material. The MSSKQ is a reliable instrument with good content and construct validity. This tool should be valuable in assessing know ledge and level of informed consent in women receiving MSS and in eval uating the implementation of MSS programmes.