Use of videotapes for viewing at home to inform choice in Down syndrome screening: a randomised controlled trial

A randomised trial was carried out to assess the effect of a Down syndrome screening video on test uptake, knowledge and psychological stress. A total of 2000 women referred for antenatal care were allocated to two equal grou ps: one to be sent a video to their home, before their hospital booking vis it, and a control group. All women also received screening information in t he form of a leaflet before booking and from a midwife at booking. The vide o had no effect on the screening uptake rate: 638/993 (64.2%) and 652/1007 (64.7%) in the video and control groups, respectively. Women were requested to return the video for reuse in other pregnancies and 612 (62%) did so. A subset of 1200 women were selected to be posted at 17-19 weeks' gestation a self-completed questionnaire to assess the psychological endpoints. Knowl edge of screening was increased in the video group with a mean score of 7.3 compared with 6.7 in the controls, a statistically significant difference (t = 3.24, p = 0.0005). There were no significant differences between the g roups in specific worries about abnormalities in the baby, and general anxi ety. We conclude that a video can increase knowledge without affecting the uptake of the test, or psychological stress. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.