Perception of Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling among Prospective Marital Individuals in Maternal and Child Health Centers at El-Fayoum City

Abd Eltawab, Gehad Ahmed Mohamed; Eldesokey, Amal Sarhan; Mostafa, Marwa Yehia; Morad, Ehsan Shaban

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2025.443090

Perception of Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling among Prospective Marital Individuals in Maternal and Child Health Centers at El-Fayoum City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Demonstrator of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University, Egypt

² Assistant Professor of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University, Egypt.

³ Lecturer of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2025.443090

Abstract

Background: Premarital screening and genetic counseling are one of the most
important strategies for preventing genetic disorders and congenital anomalies
Aim of the study: to evaluate perception of premarital screening and genetic
counseling among prospective marital individuals in maternal and child health
centers at El-Fayoum city. Design: A descriptive research design was used.
Setting: The study was conducted at two maternal and child health centers located
in El-Fayoum city. Sample: A convenience sample of 220 prospective marital
individuals. Tools of data collection: two tools were utilized, Tool I: Structured
interviewing questionnaire, it includes three parts: part(1): socio-demographic
characteristics, part(2): Level of knowledge and part(3): Perception of the studied
prospective marital individuals regarding premarital screening and genetic
counseling, Tool II: Attitude of the studied prospective marital individuals
regarding premarital screening and genetic counseling. Results: The study results
showed that 69.5% had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge and 54.5% had a
positive attitude regarding premarital screening and genetic counseling.
Conclusion: two-thirds of studied group had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge
and more than half of studied group had a positive attitude regarding premarital
screening and genetic counseling. Recommendation: Design an educational
program to raise perception of prospective marital individuals and families about
premarital screening and genetic counseling.