Women’s Perception and Knowledge of Prenatal Screening for Fetal Trisomy (WPKPSFT), 2020

Objective: Multiple non-invasive tests are available to screen for the risk of fetal trisomy, however, there is no national prenatal screening programme in Ireland. This study aimed to analyse women’s opinions on availability, cost, and knowledge of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal aneuploidy. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire on knowledge of prenatal screening tests and attitudes to termination of pregnancy was developed and distributed to women attending antenatal clinics at a tertiary hospital. Descriptive analyses and chi-squared tests were completed. Conclusions: While Irish women have good overall understanding of screening test interpretation, most were unaware of screening options. A national prenatal screening programme, including education on fetal aneuploidy, should be established.