Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Yeshey Dorjey Phuentsholing General Hospital Yeshey Dorjey 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Yeshey Dorjey Phuentsholing General Hospital Yeshey Dorjey
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Namkha Dorji JDWNRH Namkha Dorji
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Deep Kiran Chhetri Trashigang hospital Deep Kiran Chhetri
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tandin Om CRRH Tandin Om
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Lhap Tshering Phuentsholing hospital Lhap Tshering
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Chuni Selden Dewathang Hospital Chuni Selden
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sonam Wangmo Phuentsholing General Hospital Sonam Wangmo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tshering Tamang ERRH Tshering Tamang
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Assessment of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals on prenatal screening and diagnosis in Bhutan: a cross-sectional study |
| Public title | Assessment of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals on prenatal screening and diagnosis |
| Background | Prenatal screening is the process of identifying the possibility of the fetus being born with congenital disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. The first prenatal screening method introduced was single biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to screen for open neural tube defects. Since then, various prenatal screening methods evolved from biomarkers to ultrasound scanning to fetal DNA testing using maternal blood. The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities occurs in approximately 1 in 150 live births, and it is more common during early gestation resulting in a large proportion of early pregnancy loss. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities increases with advancing maternal age, and the incidence varies with the types of chromosomal defect. The most commonly detected chromosomal defect is Trisomy 21. The risk factors for chromosomal abnormalities include advanced maternal age, a history of previous pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality, a parental translocation, or other chromosomal abnormality, and parental consanguinity. Exposure to teratogens during the pregnancy period increases the chances of giving birth to an anomalous baby. The chromosomal abnormalities cannot be prevented; however, genetic counseling and prenatal testing can allow pregnant couples to make an informed decision whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy if the chromosomal abnormality is detected. There are various types of prenatal screening tests depending on the trimesters of the pregnancy. Prenatal screening should be offered to all pregnant women, however, in Bhutan, there is no prenatal screening services. |
| Objectives | GENERAL OBJECTIVE To assess the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals on prenatal screening and diagnosis in Bhutan. Specific objectives •To assess the knowledge of healthcare professionals on prenatal screening tests. •To assess the knowledge of healthcare professionals on prenatal diagnostic tests. •To assess the attitude of healthcare professionals on prenatal screening tests. •To assess the attitude of healthcare professionals on prenatal diagnostic tests. |
| Study Methods | Cross-sectional study |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | Percentage of health professionals with good knowledge score on prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. Percentage of health professionals with positive attitudes on prenatal screening and diagnostic services. The findings of the study will be used as baseline data for planning and implementing prenatal screening and diagnostic services in Bhutan. |
| Keywords | Chromosomal abnormality; Prenatal screening; prenatal diagnosis. |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Oct-2024 |
| End Date | 31-Dec-2024 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Self |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes |
| Research Domain(s) | Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health |
| Research field(s) | Reproductive Health |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Other (Cross-sectional study) | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |