FACTORS AFFECTING WOMENS KNOWLEDGE OF ANTENATAL SERUM SCREENING

Antenatal screening for fetal anomaly is offered routinely in Glasgow. This study assessed pregnant women's knowledge of the test and implic ations of results. Questionnaires were completed by 574 women. Knowled ge of the nature and uses of the test was superior to earlier studies Two-thirds knew that screening was undertaken for Down's syndrome, and 81% for spina bifida. The majority were aware of the sample used ages invited and gestation at which it was undertaken. Knowledge of the li kely results and implications was poorer. Three-quarters were unaware that 10 of results would suggest an increased risk. Half did not reali se that positive results could occur without fetal abnormality or nega tive results could be falsely reassuring. Socioeconomic deprivation wa s associated with poorer knowledge but not lower uptake. Written infor mation was associated with superior knowledge and higher uptake. Leafl ets should be provided prior to booking, at which time resultant queri es can be answered.