Genetic literacy of pregnant women and their use of prenatal screening and diagnostic tests in Turkey

Abstract

This study evaluated how genetic literacy of pregnant women in Turkey affects their use of prenatal screening and diagnostic tests. As a descriptive cross-sectional study, a Participant Identification Form and the Genetic literacy and Comprehension Measure (GLAC) were used to collect data. The sample of study consisted of 189 pregnant women who made regular antenatal care visits in Giresun, Turkey. The mean age was 29.5 +/- 5.9 years and mean gestational week was 34.9 +/- 5.09. of the women, 76.7% had undergone prenatal screening tests, and 85.5% of them had learned about the tests from their doctors. The mean GLAC score of familiarity was 3.67 +/- 1.78 (out of seven), and the genetic concepts answered correctly were 5.30 +/- 1.79 (out of eight). No statistically significant relationship emerged between the women's genetic literacy and their use of prenatal screening or diagnostic tests. However, relationships were statistically significant between the genetic literacy of the women and the educational levels of the women themselves or their spouses, consanguineous marital status, parity, and use of folic acid supplements. Primiparous women who were highly educated, had a highly educated spouse, were not in consanguineous marriages, and had taken folic acid supplements during pregnancy were more literate in genetics. There is a need for more educational opportunities in order for women to increase their familiarity with genetic terms. Educating women will improve their understanding of genetics-related health services and increase their awareness of genetic diseases, which will allow them to take the appropriate actions for primary prevention.