The Knowledge and Attitudes of Thai Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residents Towards Down Syndrome Screening

Ounjai Kor-anantakul MD*, Penwadee Awapark MD*, Chitkasaem Suwanrath MD, M Med Sci*, Thitima Suntharasaj MD*, Tharangrut Hanprasertpong MD*

Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand

Objective : To survey the knowledge and attitudes towards Down syndrome screening in the final year of training of Thai obstetrics and gynaecology residents. Material and Method: A self-administered structured questionnaire of knowledge and attitudes towards Down syndrome screening was developed. One hundred thirty six residents were asked to respond to the questionnaire on their last day of the Thai board examination in the year 2006 and 2007. The data was analyzed using SPSS for windows version 15.0.
Results : Eighty-two completed questionnaires surveys were returned (60% response rate). The mean total score of knowledge of Down syndrome and its screening test was 81%. Eighty percent of respondents (65/82) had positive attitudes towards counseling for screening Down syndrome for all pregnant women. Fifty-four percent (44/82) had negative attitudes towards Down syndrome screening for all pregnant women. Sixty percent (49/82) favored nuchal translucency measurement by ultrasonography for screening in the first trimester. Training institutes, age, sex, and the counseling experience of residents did not affect the attitudes.
Conclusion : The final-year Thai Obstetrics and Gynaecology residents had good knowledge and positive attitudes towards Down syndrome screening. More than half of the residents had negative attitudes towards the screening of all pregnant women. Educational programs and training are needed to address these deficiencies before screening programs are widely implemented.

Keywords : Knowledge, Attitudes, Down syndrome, Screening, Obstetrics and gynaecology residents

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