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.