Factors affecting attitudes toward prenatal diagnosis and medical termination of pregnancy among beta thalassaemia carriers in SH. Bilehfahi

Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to reveal the attitude towards Prenatal Diagnosis (PND) and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) among 18 to 25 years unmarried beta thalassaemia carriers in Sh. Bilehfahi, Maldives. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to interview 34 beta thalassaemia carriers in the island. Analysis was done to calculate the frequency and percentage of age, sex, relationship characteristics, family income, level of education and knowledge. Chi-square test was used to examine the association of these factors and attitudes toward PND and MTP. The result showed that 52.9 % of the carriers have negative attitudes toward PND and MTP. 44.1% of the carriers had adequate knowledge. The knowledge was found to be strongest predictor of attitudes toward PND and MTP when compared with other factors. Among the study participants those who have an adequate knowledge about PND and MTP; 80% of them were having a positive attitude while only 20% said they had a negative attitude. Among the people who do not have an adequate knowledge regarding PND and MTP; 78.94% have negative attitude while only 21.1% have a positive attitude. The knowledge had a significant association with attitudes toward PND and MTP (p-value = 0.001). It is recommended that knowledge has to be improved in order to develop a positive attitude toward PND and MTP among the beta thalassaemia carriers in the island. In addition, promotion of health education by providing appropriate information about PND and MTP is highly needed.