Current Practice and Knowledge of Aneuploidy Screening, a Nationwide Survey [28B

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Aneuploidy screening is appropriate for all pregnant women as there is variable risk among all pregnancies. This study sought to determine the current approach and knowledge of aneuploidy screening among obstetricians and gynecologists in Jamaica. METHODS: A list of all practicing obstetricians and gynecologists was obtained from the medical council. A questionnaire was sent by mail or hand-delivered to all obstetricians and gynecologists across the country. The questions pertained to demographics, knowledge of screening and diagnostic tests available. Doctors with subspecialist training in maternal fetal medicine were excluded. The data obtained was kept anonymous. RESULTS: 67 out of 100 (67%) doctors responded to the questionnaire. 63/67 (94.0%) reported that less than 25% of their patients had aneuploidy screening (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.3–99.7). 20.9% (95% CI, 11.2–30.6%) of respondents offered screening to all their patients while 35% offered to women 35 years or older. The frequency of screening tests was 37.3%, 16.4%, 11.9%, 6.0%, 6.0% and 3.0% for the QUAD screen, Triple screen, Second trimester ultrasound, First trimester screen, Free fetal DNA and Nuchal translucency respectively. Of the 6 knowledge questions asked, 4 questions had greater than 70% (95% CI, 59.0–81.0%) answered correctly. CONCLUSION: Obstetricians and gynecologists are aware of the risks of aneuploidy and screening tests available, however, only a small fraction of their patients received these tests. This suggests the need for further physician education on available tests, increased affordability of tests, patient education and studies on patient views on screening.