Pregnant women's informational needs prior to decisions about prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal anomalies—A Q methodological study

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo study pregnant women's subjective viewpoints on what is important when receiving information prior to decision‐making regarding prenatal testing for chromosomal anomalies.MethodData were collected using Q methodology. During January 2020—October 2021, 45 pregnant women in Sweden completed a 50‐item Q sort. Statements regarding what is important when receiving information about prenatal screening and diagnosis were prioritized through ranking in a fixed sorting grid on an 11‐point scale, from “most important” to “least important.” Socio‐demographics and coping styles were surveyed through questionnaires.ResultsThree groups represented different viewpoints on what pregnant women consider important when receiving information about prenatal screening and diagnosis. Factor 1: Stepwise information and decision‐making: viewing information and decision‐making as a step‐by‐step process. Factor 2: Decision‐making as a continuous process based on couple autonomy: Striving for an informed decision as a couple about tests, test results and conditions screened. Factor 3: As much information as early as possible—the importance of personal autonomy in decision‐making: Prioritizing autonomous decision‐making based on non‐directive information early in the pregnancy.ConclusionThis study highlights the complexities involved when providing information. As shown by the differing viewpoints in this study, pregnant women's informational needs differ, making individual and personalized information preferable.