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INTRODUCTION: genetic diseases and congenital anomalies place a significant burden on the health of new-borns and their mothers. Despite the availability of a variety of prenatal screening tests, mothers' knowledge has been documented to determine uptake. This study aims to assess the knowledge of pregnant women about birth defects and the associated correlates with regard to willingness to do prenatal screening. METHODS: a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 422 antenatal mothers recruited sequentially as they attended antenatal clinics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to determine their knowledge of birth defects and willingness to do prenatal testing. RESULTS: majority of the participants (92.2%) had at least secondary education. The mean total knowledge score of the respondents was 63%. Age and knowledge scores were not significantly correlated (r=-0.071, p=0.14). Being employed predicted higher knowledge scores (95% CI: 0.09, 2.09, p=0.03). Respondents who had primary school education and those who replied "I don't know" to willingness to test had significantly lower knowledge scores (95% CI: -15.01, -1.19, p=0.02 and 95% CI: -4.52, -0.68, p=0.01 respectively). Majority (79.1%) of the respondents were willing to undergo testing. Respondents' level of education was significantly associated with willingness to test (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: the observed knowledge gaps were considerable. There is need for improvement in education, the empowerment of women and access to quality healthcare including prenatal screening.

Original publication

DOI

10.11604/pamj.2021.38.310.26636

Type

Journal article

Journal

Pan Afr Med J

Publication Date

2021

Volume

38

Keywords

Genetic diseases, congenital anomalies, pregnant women, prenatal diagnosis, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Congenital Abnormalities, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Genetic Diseases, Inborn, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Hospitals, Teaching, Humans, Middle Aged, Nigeria, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Pregnancy, Pregnant Women, Prenatal Care, Prenatal Diagnosis, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult