Experiences of nonpregnant couples after receiving reproductive genetic carrier screening results in Belgium

Eur J Hum Genet. 2023 Jun;31(6):696-702. doi: 10.1038/s41431-023-01310-2. Epub 2023 Feb 15.

Abstract

Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS) allows for the identification of couples who have an increased likelihood of conceiving a child with a particular autosomal recessive or X-linked condition. The aim of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction, anxiety, knowledge retention, psychosocial and counseling-related aspects among couples who chose to have RGCS. Participants were initially informed about their screening results by telephone. After obtaining a written report of test results, participants were asked to complete an individual self-administered questionnaire. All participants (n = 67) felt they had enough information to make an informed choice. None of the participants regretted their choice to have RGCS. Test results were most often shared with parents (61%) or siblings (37%). Our findings demonstrate that the information/counseling and reporting strategy that was used in the context of this study led to high participant satisfaction, an increase in knowledge over time and favorable psychosocial and counseling-related outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Belgium
  • Child
  • Genetic Carrier Screening / methods
  • Genetic Counseling* / methods
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Humans
  • Parents